Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Tá áthas orm gur ardaigh mo bheirt chomhghleacaithe bás Donal Breathnach. I share in the tributes rightly being paid to the late Donal Walsh. He was a teenager who many of us have followed in recent months, since his appearance on RTE television. In those short few months, he achieved what many people fail to do in a lifetime, which is, he found his voice and a way to turn his sickness, his suffering and his impending death into a way to help others. Many people do not find that meaning and purpose in their lives and it is a tragedy for them but it is all the more awesome that Donal did and that he spoke with such clarity. As many people find difficult to do in his situation, he had a very clear idea of what was happening and he was not afraid to face up to that.

He challenged us all - young and old - to be grateful for our lives and to take the opportunity each day presents. His particular message about suicide might have been difficult for some people to hear, in particular other young people, but he had the credibility and ability to say something which was vitally important for them to hear. It was more than just youthful idealism; there was a determined maturity in what he was about. As has been said, he taught us a lot in that short time. He taught us a lot about suffering, happiness and ultimate meaning. May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled by the fine and courageous example he set to all.

On that tragic subject of suicide, it is noteworthy - others have spoken about it - that in recent weeks, a coroner in south Kerry and a coroner in north Donegal have spoken out about the problem of suicide. One asked if we were losing sight of humanity while the other feared we were not taking it sufficiently seriously in terms of the amount of money spent on suicide prevention compared to road safety. For example, €30 million was spent on road safety in 2011 while just €3 million was spent on suicide prevention.

I understand that tens of millions of pounds sterling have been spent in Northern Ireland.

As I have said before, I do not know what the exact answer is for suicide prevention. I do not know if it should be about one single organisation, as in other jurisdictions, focusing on the problem. A lot of it is about attitudes. It is about recognising that the law and the wider culture are educators. Each of us looks to the culture in this situation, and in other areas, to see what is the appropriate way to respond in a time of crisis. Our message must be much clearer as a society. While we console those who have been bereaved and pay a just tribute to those who have died, we must convey a loud and clear message that what has happened is the wrong thing. As has been said, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The debate must continue but in a way that helps rather than hinders.

Finally, I welcome the announcement by the HSE of the membership of a review group to examine the emergency response to the incident of a tragic death of a toddler in Cork last week. He had to be driven to hospital by a local sporting hero because there was no question of an ambulance arriving on time. The availability of emergency services to people is a human rights issue. No matter what difficulties we face as an economy we cannot lose sight of that. I hope that the review group will conduct its work speedily. We must also pay tribute to the great work being done by ambulance drivers, first aid personnel and so on. We have a serious problem if we cannot guarantee a basic minimum response of emergency support and care to people as arose in the very tragic case involving a young boy, Vakaris Martinaitis.