Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I commend Senator Corrigan for her sensitive and compassionate comments on the death of a woman who succumbed to the pressures and stresses of economic deprivation. It behoves society in general and us, as legislators, to engage more in these difficult times, as we are all well aware of the hopelessness many people feel. It is unprecedented in the history of the State. We have had great difficulties in the past, but we are moving from affluent times to a time in which people do not see a future, particularly young couples with children. It is necessary for us, therefore, to endeavour to give them hope but not in a false way. We have to be realistic and, at the same time, send a positive message to people. There are agencies on the ground, but more is needed. The current climate is not helping and we all have a role in addressing this. Every finger should not be pointed in the direction of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Throughout society we must all look to work together and that includes the media and other organisations and agencies. I can only imagine how lonely, helpless and isolated the young woman concerned must have felt that she found it necessary to take her own life. There must be many more like her. However, as Senator Corrigan said, life is precious and we must ensure no other person in the State will be driven to do what that young woman did. Like others, I express my sympathy to her family and friends because they must also be devastated.