Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

-----abolished it in its manifesto for the last general election.

Senator Mary White again outlined to the House her serious concerns regarding the 525 people who unfortunately lost their lives through suicide in 2009. She referred to depression among older people in our society and the various challenges facing society at the present time. I acknowledge once again the great work being done by Senator Mary White in this area. My parliamentary assistant in Westmeath, Robert Troy, is the chairperson of the suicide committee in County Westmeath. I wish him well in his plight and all the work he is doing for the people in our county in the Midlands. I fully support Senator White in her fight in that regard.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the experience of all Members of the House with the relatives of the men and women of 1916, who were with us in the Visitors Gallery last Wednesday evening, and their fight for the national monument in the Moore Street area. We must recognise also that Pádraig Pearse's sister was a Fianna Fáil Senator in this House. We are grateful to the Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Finneran, who arranged a deputation whereby the committee will meet with the Taoiseach next Tuesday. I thank Senator Ó Murchú for bringing all of this to fruition because it was he who asked for time on the floor of the House.