Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of suicide. The period leading into Christmas can exacerbate loneliness, hardship and stresses and strains. This year has been particularly challenging, for obvious reasons. Few families have not been touched by the suicide of someone they know or someone within their family. We can never stop emphasising that we need to move away from the words "commit suicide". Someone I know, love and respect posted a comment on social media about a family member. It is years since his father died and he pleaded for people to stop using the terminology "commit suicide". It is offensive to his and his family's experience of mourning their father and how they remember all that is good. I emphasise that point.

People who consider suicide deserve and need our compassion, care and respect, and their dignity. We need to ensure we empower that in any remembrance and in any support for their families. I congratulate Pieta House on its extraordinary work.It has responded specifically to Covid-19 on its website with videos for children, teenagers and adults in all sorts of situations that address, empower and support. I will end by using the empowering words of Pieta House: You are not alone