Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams

Adams to address Ógra SF Congress

Ógra Shinn Féin's National Congress, which is being held in Dublin's ATGWU Hall this weekend, will see the launch of the organisation's suicide prevention campaign.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams who is also party spokesperson on suicide prevention, will give the main address to the congress on Saturday 4 February.

Speaking ahead of the congress National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Mickey Bravender said: "The issue of people taking their own lives or attempting to take their own lives is a major social issue in Ireland. This country has the second highest suicide rate in Europe; this rate has increased by more than 25% over the last decade.

"Through the campaign we will also be calling for more money to be granted to mental illnesses and seek better provision for the treatment of metal illnesses. We as young republican activists must be active on this issue as suicide as is biggest killer of young people in Ireland. An all-Ireland mental health strategy must be formulated, funded and implemented as this issue does not simply stop at the 'border'," he concluded.