John Gilroy (Labour)

I ask the Deputy Leader to facilitate a discussion on suicide prevention. I acknowledge that we have debated the issue recently but the Seanad should give a high political priority to this most pressing of issues. Suicide is probably the greatest single issue facing our society and we need to put it near the top of our agenda.

The Joint Committee on Health and Children has appointed me rapporteur on suicide prevention and charged me with bringing a report before the committee. Over the past eight months I have consulted agencies and professional bodies in this area and it is time that I extend the consultation process to members of the public. I intend to hold a series of public meetings across the country over the coming months to ascertain the views of ordinary people. The first meeting will take place in Cork on 28 June. I ask Senators to support this initiative by facilitating meetings in their local areas. I have made information available for anyone who wishes to find out more about the matter. This is an area in which the Seanad could play a useful role and I ask for a joint effort by Senators to give it the political attention it requires.