Ministers McDaid’s comments as
reported, have upset and hurt the parents and families who have lost a
young member of their family through suicide.
He
is quoting what is the initial reaction of a family who has lost their
son through suicide (which is blame and anger). We can assure this
family that they will move on, and in time will understand that their
loved one did not want to hurt his family or friends.
All
the young men who died in our area were the opposite to what he called
them, they were all beautiful and caring young men who were and still are loved by
their families and friends.
His
hurtful and vulgar description of our young men who have passed away is
unforgivable. He has set many families back in the grieving process.
There are no simple answers to suicide and one liners from an uninformed
politician is unhelpful, damaging and very unprofessional.
We as a group have been campaigning for the full implementation for the
national Task Force on Suicide, which was published in 1998. Its
implementation would go along way in preventing suicide and supporting
the families and friends of suicide victims,
The
recommendations deal with among other: -
Social
issues.
SPHE
programmes in schools.
The
health services that should be provided by the health boards for young
people in crises and at risk of suicide.
Support
for the family and friends of suicide victims.
This
Report was issued in 1998 and little has been done to implement it and in
the intervening years over 1500 people have died through suicide in this
country.
If
Mr. McDaid wants to do some thing about the tragedy of suicide then he can
join us and others in getting the task force implemented.
We
have issued a policy statement on the Task Force. This statement has been
given to the TDs in Limerick with the only response from Jan O’Sullivan
who had a question answered in the Dail.
We decided to hold our comments until after the election because we did
not want the issue of suicide to be used as a political football.
There
has been little political interest or comment about suicide over the years
and now we get one from a high ranking politician and medical man
condemning and insulting the memory of our you loved ones.
We
are furious.
|