To those who advocate for ‘death with dignity’ Prof Des O’Neill responded that human dignity cannot be lost through disability, disease, dependency, or suffering. However he added that: “insensitive treatment or attitudes to those so affected can constitute undignified care,” and issues such as adequacy of treatment and support should be properly addressed.
Every year roughly 400 people take part in the workshops.
“It is clear that support for mental health and drug prevention is seriously lacking across the whole area,” Fr Michael Toomey warned Minister for Mental Health, Jim Daly.
“Some people who will have persistent thoughts of committing suicide could be oppressed by an evil spirit.”
Bishop of Derry tells pilgrims at National Padre Pio Pilgrimage in Knock, “It is a dangerous form of Christianity that believes we have to be a strong and influential organisation giving the lying impression of being pure and perfect.”
“From my time as a priest in Derry, I know how Foyle Search and Rescue volunteers work selflessly to help those who are vulnerable and in need” – Archbishop Eamon Martin.
“When I was there last year I met this family where the nine-year-old son, who has four sisters and a mother, is the man of the house because the husband got killed in the war.”
“Suicide touches everybody regardless of whether you have faith or not. It is no respecter of age, gender, background, class or religious denomination,” said Fr Deery.
The visit of Pope Francis to Ireland next year is an opportunity for members of the Irish hierarchy to reach out to those who think differently – Fr Tony Flannery.
“I have 26 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren – I hope they grow up in a world where they won't face discrimination,” said Missy Collins of Pavee Point.
“Ireland’s relationship with alcohol, particularly in the context of mental health, depression and suicide, has to be examined.”
Fr Brian Grogan SJ highlights how as human beings none of us will escape pain or suffering or the effects of evil in the world. The question is - what we do with the pain.
It makes no sense to put a family in the homeless services or inappropriate accommodation when there is a house that could be used while the new house is being developed.
The suicide of priests is usually more to do with personal rather than vocational causes.
Church in Ireland and farther afield contributed greatly to the level of taboo which surrounded suicide, acknowledges Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.
Dramatic increase in calls due to 'free to call' helpline supported by Irish Telecom providers.
Ireland has highest rate in EU for young female suicide and second highest for young males. Psychotherapist points out danger to mental health of instant gratification.
Tributes paid following tragic death of 82-year-old retired lecturer and local historian Fr Gearoid O'Donnchada.
God’s dream for his creation is to see it fulfilled “in the loving union between a man and a woman, rejoicing in their shared journey, fruitful in their mutual gift of self”.
“Helping someone to commit suicide compromises the fundamental human dignity of both parties involved. Assisted suicide is assisted killing.”
Bishop of Shrewsbury expresses serious concerns over new private members' bill on assisted dying due to be introduced into British parliament in September.
Archbishop of Armagh hears that a lack of affirmation of gay persons by the Churches has contributed to the raised rate of suicide, particularly among gay men.
Alcohol is a factor in half of the suicides in Ireland and more people die each day from alcohol-related problems than on our roads.
Young Irish mother lost her husband, son and unborn child to a suicidal driver in England while on a family holiday in 2012.
Three of the twenty-six terminations were carried out the basis of a risk to the life of the mother from suicide.
"Opinion polls which omit key information produce distorted results," says Cora Sherlock of PLC.
Some 81,900 people left Irish shores between April 2013 and April 2014 though it appears the number of people emigrating has begun to fall.
"We don't believe in miracles - we depend on them" explains Rob Clarke, CEO of Spirit Radio.
45,000 calls would have gone unanswered, forcing "some children into silence".
Self acceptance is key to mental health. Love, admiration and money are "not enough".