Suicide strategy to target mental health issues

TÁNAISTE and Health Minister Mary Harney admitted last night the Government had not taken mental care seriously enough in the past as she defended a new suicide prevention strategy from critics.

Though broadly welcomed, the 10-year initiative to cut Ireland’s spiralling suicide rate has been attacked by some experts for overlooking the role of depression in the crisis.

Ms Harney insisted the 26-point policy document was action-led and would help make up for neglect of mental health issues in previous years.