Minister's targets on suicide prevention must be matched by actions - Parsley

9.46.15am GMT Tue 31st Oct 2006

Young Alliance Chair, Ian James Parsley

Alliance Party Spokesperson for Youth Affairs, Ian James Parsley, has said Northern Ireland must set itself the task of reversing the upward trend in suicides by the end of the decade - and welcomed Minister Paul Goggins' agreement to meet this objective.

The North Down Councillor stated: "Suicide can affect any family, regardless of class, religious or professional background. Each and every one of us has an interest in reversing the alarming rise in suicides over the past decade.

"Extra resources are welcome, but the key, as always, is effective use of those resources. The link between families and professionals is essential.

"A number of initiatives have been set in place, including helplines, campaigns by families, and better training for GPs and primary care providers. These have great potential to offer the quality provision required.

"If the Minister succeeds in meeting his stated target of having the suicide rate decrease year-on-year by 2010, he will have left a very positive mark on Northern Ireland and all the people who live here."

ENDS