Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I call on the Leader to demand that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, come before the House as a matter of urgency to inform Members what the HSE intends to do with regard to the number of people in this country who die as a result of suicide each year. Yesterday, the Sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Ireland launched a report on evaluating what has happened in respect of the recommendations contained in a suicide prevention document published three years ago. I am Vice Chairman of the sub-committee, on which Senator Phil Prendergast also serves. It is a small sub-committee with a membership of just four.

The findings in the report of the sub-committee are frightening. Very few of the 33 recommendations contained in the document published three years ago have been implemented. What in God's name is going on? Each year, more people in this country die as a result of suicide than are killed in road accidents. However, this matter has not registered on the political radar. At least six and a half times more money is invested in road safety initiatives than is invested in suicide prevention. A major reason for this is the stigma that still attaches in respect of mental illness, depression and those who may feel suicidal.

I could discuss this matter for an hour but I will cut to the chase. I demand that the Minister for Health and Children and not some Minister of State come before the House to discuss this matter. The 2007 joint programme for Government states that the rate of suicide will be reduced by 20% by 2012. What is the position in this regard and what are the costs involved? What are the Government's plans and how will these be implemented?

The 33 recommendations contained in the 2003 document have been evaluated but very few of them have been implemented. If I could have the attention of the Cathaoirleach for a moment-----