I raise the issue of analysis of death by suicide figures, which indicate an alarmingly high rate of suicide in Kerry, Cork city and Offaly, at 50% above the national average. I also commend our colleague in the House, Senator John Gilroy, who has been travelling around the country, meeting interested parties and collating information on suicide. He is a rapporteur on suicide for the Oireachtas health committee and doing some great work.

It is a pity it has taken so long to fill the post of director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention following the resignation of Mr. Geoff Day. I call for the formation of a task force to probe the issue and determine why rates of suicide are so high in these areas. I know the answers are difficult to find and neither I nor other Members in the House have them. We should at least try to do something to determine those answers.

As the Cathaoirleach was not here last week, he may be glad to hear for the first time-----

He will take up the Senator on her remarks last night.

I was standing up for the Leader last night.

The Senator did it very well.