Health Committee Encourages Responses On Inquiry Into Suicide

Individuals and organisations are being encouraged to respond to an inquiry into the prevention of suicide in Northern Ireland. The inquiry is being carried out by the Assembly Health Committee to examine the current strategy to prevent suicide and self harm.

As part of the inquiry the Committee will:

• assess the scope and appropriateness of the Department’s strategy ‘Protect Life: A Shared Vision’;
• examine the level of stakeholder involvement;
• examine the level of services and support available to promote good mental health, to prevent suicide and self harm; and to support those affected by suicide; and
• consider what further action is required, taking account, as appropriate, of experience elsewhere.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Iris Robinson MP, said: “The Committee is acutely concerned at the increasing number of people who take their own lives. Suicides are a tragedy for victims, their families, their community and the professional staff involved. Through this inquiry the Committee wishes to ensure that everything possible is being done to improve mental health services and to minimise the risks of suicide and self harm.”

Individuals or organisations with an interest in this matter are invited to submit up to 2000 words in a Word file or by e-mail to committee.hssps@niassembly.gov.uk . A single additional hard copy should also be sent in the post addressed to the Clerk of the Committee at Room 412, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX.

The deadline for submission is 19 October 2007. Written evidence submitted to the Committee should be kept confidential until published by the Committee.

Note to Editor:

Committee Membership: 
Mrs Iris Robinson MP (DUP) (Chairperson); Ms Michelle O’Neill (SF) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Thomas Buchanan (DUP); Rev Dr Robert Coulter (UUP); Dr Kieran Deeny (IHC); Mr Alex Easton (DUP); Mr Tommy Gallagher (SDLP); Mrs Carmel Hanna (SDLP); Mr John McCallister (UUP); Ms Carál Ní Chuilín (SF); Ms Sue Ramsey (SF)

The Clerk to the Committee is Mr Hugh Farren, Room 412, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX.