Protest due amid claims dozens turned away from services take their own life

A protest is set to take place over the Department of Health’s failure to investigate claims that dozens of people are dying by suicide every year after being turned away by doctors or sent home early from life-saving services.

Families who have lost relatives to suicide will organise the march next Saturday after minister of state with responsibility for mental health, Kathleen Lynch, claimed there is “no evidence” that a review of the situation is needed.

Responding to recent claims by the Psychiatric Nurses Association in Thursday’s Irish Examiner, Ms Lynch said that, after speaking with the HSE over the “concerns”, she believes there is no proof that people are dying because of the serious service flaws.