Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

The truth does sometimes offend. I welcome last night's statement from the Orange Order. I understand it is seeking a way to ensure that today's 12 July parade in Ardoyne will be held. I trust the day will pass in peace, especially in light of the historic visit to the Seanad by Mr. Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Order of Ireland, two weeks ago. Mr. Nelson came in peace to this House.

I commend indigenous Irish food companies such as Glanbia, Kerry Group and Dawn Meats, which are all in the top group of exporting businesses in this country. I am sure everyone in the House will agree they have worked extremely hard to fly the flag for both Ireland and for Irish food abroad. This sector is expected to grow by 40% in the next ten years in the context of exports. In light of the challenges presented by the weather at present and concerns with regard to rising prices for feed and fertiliser, I urge the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to continue to battle to protect farmers. Without the latter, there would be no indigenous Irish food companies and they would not be doing such a good job on our behalf.

I ask the Leader to write to the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, urging him and his officials to reconvene talks with the Irish Thalidomide Association. I am sure Members will agree that the survivors of thalidomide have battled all their lives merely to live those lives. Few of these people expected to survive until the age of 50. I and others do not want to see them being obliged to take legal action against the State in the interests of obtaining a better settlement. The Government in the UK made a settlement of £20 million in 2010 in respect of survivors of thalidomide in that jurisdiction. I fully expect the Irish Government to do likewise. The Leader should write to the Minister with a view to having the talks reconvened rather than having the matter end up in court.

I ask the Leader, when the Seanad resumes sitting in the autumn, to set aside a full day for a debate on the increase in the incidence in suicide revealed this morning in statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office. The number of suicides in 2011 rose to 525. While our thoughts are with the families of those who have died as a result of suicide, it would be good if we could devote an entire day to debating this issue. During such a debate, the various Ministers who have any responsibility in respect of suicide could be brought before the House in order that we might find ways to pool our expertise and knowledge. If we can save one life or build something better for one community, then the House will have done a worthwhile job. We have talked enough about trying to do something about suicide, and now the incidence is rising again. If we were to concentrate our minds for one full day and engage in an exercise of joined-up thinking, perhaps we might be able to produce something that would be of genuine assistance to families whose loved ones have died as a result of suicide and to those struggling with suicidal thoughts.