Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also received a letter from our good friend Mr. Liam Brazil, of Lemybrien in County Waterford, regarding mental health awareness.

There was a time when perhaps none of us knew about suicides, but now we all know somebody - perhaps even close to us - who could be affected. I do not understand the apparent growth in the number of suicides, particularly the sad increase in rates among young people. I am not sure what the answer is, but more needs to be done. Could we encourage the Minister for Health to set up a special task force to examine the matter with experts? I do not understand depression, but perhaps we might consider practical ways to reach out to those suffering from this frightful condition. I do not know if I should call it a disease; perhaps Senator John Crown might be of assistance in this regard. I heard him being prayed for at mass yesterday, although it was not in connection with a suicide; he had given great help to somebody else. This is a matter for consideration by a special task force and perhaps the Minister for Health might be involved.

I am delighted that Senator Paschal Mooney raised his issue today, as I referred to it some time ago. I did not go as far as he did in contacting the Revenue Commissioners, as I got in touch with somebody else. All of these scams are frightful.

I support the call initiated by Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell for a debate on banking. I sought such a debate before and there are many aspects to the issue that still have to be corrected. As has been mentioned, if we do not have a functioning banking system, we will not have a functioning economy. I am delighted that the Central Bank is taking steps to impose limits in the mortgage sector. As Senator Marc MacSharry noted, there may be an argument about the recommendation of a 20% deposit but having a limit of no more than three or four times a salary is correct.