Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I also support Senator Mary White's comments on World Mental Health Day. The position on suicide is becoming extremely serious. Historically, this issue has been associated with bullying in schools etc. In recent years and as a result of the economic recession, many more people took their own lives because they could not see a way out. Most Members will have experience of this problem as a result of meeting people who have nowhere left to go to and who are not sure how they can negotiate the current crisis and who either visit their clinics or contact them by telephone. There must be awareness of any facilities or resources available for people suffering from depression, and we must spread the word and be vigilant in helping people reach out in this respect.

I second the proposal made by my colleague, Senator Ivana Bacik, for taking the climate change legislation today. I have heard the Deputy Leader's words but I am sure he will forgive me as my experience of his words lead me to take this promise with a grain of salt.