All-Ireland approach needed

Suicide: Bereaved families make voices heard

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún hosted an all-Ireland delegation of families bereaved through suicide at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday 4 October. Accompanying the delegation were community workers, Sinn Féin Health Spokespersons John O'Dowd MLA, Caoimhghín O Caoláin TD and Councillor Fra McCann MLA.

Bairbre de Brún paid tribute to all of those who have travelled to raise awareness around the issue of suicide and suicide prevention in Ireland and at a European level. "Those people travelling on the delegation come from right across Ireland and from both a rural and urban background. It is clear from discussions with the group that they require greater support from the statutory agencies. Mental health services North and South are grossly under funded.

Sinn Féin has consistently argued that suicide prevention should become an area of co-operation under the Good Friday Agreement, to promote a joint strategy across the island.

"Not enough is being done in Ireland to highlight or combat suicide. One conservative estimate is that more than 4,000 people have died through suicide between 1969 and 2002 in the Six Counties, significantly more than have died as a result of the political conflict over 35 years. The hope is that today's visit to Brussels will help lead to an understanding of how other EU states deal with the issue and how best practice can be applied in Ireland. Whilst the recent announcement of a taskforce in the 26 Counties is welcome, we want to see an all-Ireland strategy and an all-Ireland taskforce on suicide prevention. "Less than one month ago (10 September), people across the globe marked World Suicide Awareness Day, in memory of all of those who have tragically lost their lives. The most fitting tribute we can pay is to ensure that present and future generations receive the help and support they require and deserve."

West Belfast MP and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams welcoming the delegation to Brussels said: "In Ireland, the increase in suicide across the 32 Counties has been higher that in most other European countries. This is an important initiative which will help draw additional attention to this serious problem. The all-Ireland delegation reflects the imperative of an all-Ireland approach to tackling this issue. Sinn Féin believes that suicide prevention must be promoted in an integrated, holistic strategy which is resourced and implemented as one across the 32 Counties. No political or legal obstacle should be put in the way of all-Ireland action on suicide prevention.