AN INQUEST into the deaths of a young Donegal mother and her daughter heard that to take the life of an innocent child was "beyond human reason".
Coroner Seán Cannon made the comment at the inquests into the deaths of Catriona Innes (26) and her seven-year-old daughter Caitlín.
The bodies of Ms Innes and her daughter were found at their home at Whitethorn Close, Letterkenny on May 15th last year.
The jury returned verdicts of death due to hanging in relation to Ms Innes and death due to smothering of Caitlín.
Gardaí found the bodies in the house after being contacted by a close friend of Ms Innes, who became concerned that she had not been seen since she attended her daughter's First Communion three days earlier.
Mr Cannon said that while there were numerous suicide support groups, suicide prevention is "everybody's responsibility".
"To tackle this epidemic of suicide and self harm needs all our efforts to prevent the rise of suicide and the trauma and grief it causes to family and friends," Mr Cannon said.
"A concerted effort is required by the relevant groups, however, it behoves all of us as private citizens to prevent this. We should all look after our mental health and advise other people to do likewise and to seek help".
The Innes family released a statement requesting privacy.
"The inquests have now been concluded and our grieving continues. We would ask you [the media] to continue to respect our privacy," the statement read.