Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I attended a course in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, ASIST, last Friday and Saturday in Athlone. It was an intensive course, provided by the Health Service Executive to equip members of the community to be the first person to intervene and give aid. Like Senator McDonald, I have met many people who are down on their luck, experiencing black days.

I was appalled and disgusted to hear that the HSE had cut funding to this worthwhile skills training course. Without the intervention of the Roscommon Lions Club the workshop would not have continued. I urge the Minister of State to investigate the funding for ASIST.