Assembly to debate suicide motion

The North's Assembly members will today debate attempts to tackle suicide rates in the North.

The North's Assembly members will today debate attempts to tackle suicide rates in the North.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams is to propose an awareness and prevention motion to MLAs at Stormont.

Mr Adams warned the global death toll from people taking their own lives now exceeds war and homicide.

With estimates of nearly a million victims worldwide every year, he said: "Families the length and breadth of Ireland know only too well the devastating impact of suicide.

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"Over the last ten years, reported suicides in Ireland have risen by more than 25 per cent. North and west Belfast have been particularly affected."

Mr Adams added: "This motion and debate will provide an opportunity for the Assembly to discuss this vital matter and to take steps which can help reduce suicide."

PA