“The HSE must take a certain degree of responsibility to assure the public that adequate services are available to their loved ones at a time of mental health crisis.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Charlie O’Connor has underlined the high level of suicide rates in Tallaght, and urged the Health Service Executive to ensure that mental health services are properly resourced to meet the “genuine concerns” of the community.
In a statement issued on his party’s official website on Monday, O’Connor detailed what he calls a ‘unique phenomenon’ in Tallaght, while also noting that the problem is widespread.
“Since January 2016, there have been 40 suicides recorded in a proportion of Tallaght communities,” he said, adding that this number is not necessarily illustrative of the scale of the issue across the Dublin South West area, where O’Connor is standing for election.
“Suicide affects people and families of all demographics and from all walks of life – there is no such thing as a classic case of suicide,” he continued.
“In fact the suicides which have occurred in Dublin South in the past 12 months have been 50% female, 50% male which is contrary to national data on suicide.”
O’Connor then called on the HSE to provide a dedicated counter-measure for those in need.
“Tallaght’s phenomenon is unique and therefore requires a specialised response from HSE services to prevent any further rise,” he said, pointing to volunteer-led services in the area such as HOPE and Pieta House.
“Supporting the public against suicide should not solely fall on their shoulders,” O’Connor argued. “The HSE must take a certain degree of responsibility to assure the public that adequate services are available to their loved ones at a time of mental health crisis.
“I have urged national health services to effectively address the genuine concerns raised by the community in relation to these suicides and have suggested that a detailed report is issued on the level of co-ordinated response in Tallaght,” he concluded.
The councillor’s remarks were recorded during March’s Dublin Regional Health Forum.
JOE has reached out to the HSE for comment.
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