Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I support the comments of Senator Mary White on suicide. In the last Seanad, I was a member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, which established a sub-committee that reported on suicide. There were some startling revelations in that report. Young males are particularly vulnerable in this respect and are seven times more at risk of suicide than females of the same age group. The problem is that while young females will return home and tell their parents about problems, young men will not do so. That is because they think it is not manly. When I was a member of the Midland Health Board, along with the Leader and your good self, a Chathaoirligh, we had a help line motto, "Don't get down, get help". It was very useful and is still in operation. I strongly advise anybody who is feeling down to make good use of that help line.

I support what Senator O'Sullivan said earlier. As a member of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government I supported the proposal to have members of Mayo County Council appear before that committee to give their views on the matter. I await with interest what they may have to say. Without prejudice, I strongly support the powers of councillors and, whatever about increasing those powers, I would certainly not subscribe to reducing them. This area may require clarification because there is much concern among local representatives in the run up to next year's council elections. There are signs in all parties that not as many people are coming forward.