Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., for 'Suicide Aware' Presentation to Training Course Graduates, Cork,

Tá áthas orm a bheith anseo inniu chun aitheantas a thabhairt agus ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an méid atá bainte amach agaibh ó thaobh oiliúint a chríochnú maidir le feasacht agus cosc féinmharaithe.

I am delighted to be here with you today to recognise and celebrate your achievement in completing training around suicide awareness and prevention.

You are the first recipients of the special gold pin symbolising your willingness to listen to those in need of someone to talk to. I commend you for your commitment to serving your respective communities.

There is, unfortunately, not a community in Ireland that has not been affected by the trauma and despair that surrounds suicide. In these challenging times, which bring extra pressures and difficulties in coping for so many, it is vital that we maintain vigilance and awareness around the issue of suicide.

The presence of so many of you here today from all different walks of life tells me two things. It shows the extent to which suicide has reached into communities and affected people's lives. It also reassures me that there continues to be a great, and indeed growing, sense of community spirit across Ireland - that people do care about those around them and that they are prepared to do something extra to help those in need.
My Government is firmly committed to reducing suicide, as part of a whole community effort to ensure that people in distress do not feel isolated and alone. A fundamental aim of 'Reach Out' the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention,is to prevent suicidal behaviour, including deliberate self-harm, and to increase awareness of the importance of good mental health among the general population. It is important that all those involved in this crucial work continue to coordinate their efforts alongside the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention, to ensure that what we do works to best effect for those we seek to help.

For many of you, the training you have undertaken is the beginning of a journey and I wish you well as you bring your newly acquired skills back to your own communities. It also marks a beginning for Suicide Aware Ireland who have made all of this possible - I would like to thank Pat Behan for inviting me here today and for all her hard work in this area.

It just remains for me to thank you all again for your personal commitment to helping those around you. I wish you the very best for the future.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh.

ENDS