Seanad debates

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

10:50 am

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There has been much discussion recently of the issue of suicide. There are many people throughout the country, both male and female, who are experiencing financial difficulty, which is a factor in the increased level of suicides in recent years. The pressure being brought to bear on families by financial institutions that were bailed out by the taxpayer is wholly disgraceful. Members on all sides of the House have spoken about this issue, yet we have had no proper and meaningful debate. What is to stop us from bringing the directors or chief executive officers of the financial institutions before the House? If we want to ensure the survival of the Seanad, we will have to do it ourselves. Let us give this Chamber teeth by bringing in the people in question to answer our questions.

Second, we must have a debate on mental health in general and the failure to provide resources for the prevention of mental illness. Despite the increase in the number of suicides across the country, there has been no comparable increase in services to support those who are experiencing mental health difficulties. I call on the Deputy Leader to facilitate a debate on this issue and reflect on what I said about the banking crisis. I am sure the Labour Party, of which the Deputy Leader is a member, would agree that the individuals concerned should answer questions in this House. That is certainly what its Members were calling for when they were in opposition. I hope the Deputy Leader has not changed that tune since entering government.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.