Donal Walsh’s father seeks mental health initiatives for schools

The father of the late Donal Walsh, the Kerry teenager who inspired the country with his plea against suicide, has called on the Government to legislate for mental health awareness in schools and sporting clubs.

Fionnbarr Walsh said a programme such as the amber flag mental health initiative should be compulsory in every primary and secondary school and sporting club in the country.

“€22m is spent on road traffic prevention every year and just €7m is spent on suicide prevention. If you want to reduce suicide rates, it should be compulsory to have a mental health officer in every school, every club.