Embezzlement scandal rocks suicide charity

A leading suicide charity has been rocked by a suspected embezzlement scandal.

The Irish Association of Suicidology confirmed last night that it has called an emergency meeting of its board of directors in Dublin today to discuss the crisis.

“The board will be proposing that an independent examination be put in place following recent allegations,” a statement issued on behalf of the IAS said last night.

The IAS would not comment on the nature of the allegations.

Its chief executive, Declan Behan, could not be contacted last night. Two of its founder members, Fine Gael TD Dan Neville and Dr John Connolly, were not available for comment either. They are expected to issue a detailed statement after today’s meeting.

It is understood that certain financial irregularities relating to the operation of the charity have been discovered in recent days.

It is also understood the matter has been referred to gardaí.

“The board’s primary concern at present is for the welfare of its staff,” the IAS statement said.

The IAS was founded in 1996 by the late Dr Michael Kelleher, Dr Connolly, and Mr Neville to be a forum for all individuals and voluntary groups involved in suicidology to share their knowledge and experience of the issue.

The IAS also works with the Government and voluntary groups to develop and promote suicide prevention policies.

The late Dr Kelleher, a leading psychiatrist based at UCC, was one of the Irish pioneers of research into suicidal behaviour. His work led to the establishment of the National Suicide Research Foundation in Cork in Jan 1995, shortly after the decriminalisation of suicide in Ireland.

He contributed to several national and international taskforce reports on suicide before his death in Aug 1998.

Dr Connolly and Mr Neville have spent most of the past 14 years building on his legacy through their work with the IAS.

Mr Neville is one of the most outspoken advocates for investment in mental health services, and for the development of positive suicide prevention programme in this country.