Menu
11/07/2007
Minister calls on internet to tackle suicides
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has met with internet providers in attempts to tackle the growing problem of teenage suicides in Northern Ireland.
Mr McGimpsey met with providers including Vodafone, Bebo and Google and requested they confirm by the end of the month what action they plan to take.
The Health Minister also highlighted the growing danger of copycat suicides linked to internet useage and he pointed to the number of recent deaths which have been connected with social networking sites.
While also recognising the positive contribution the Web has made, he said: “The work undertaken so far must be welcomed, however what we need are preventative measures now. Young people are our most valuable resource we can not delay in putting in place strong measures aimed at protecting them.”
He continued: “In the last twelve months the rate of suicides in Northern Ireland has increased significantly and the internet has been cited as a contributory factor in some cases."
Between 2000 and 2004 there have been approximately 150 deaths by suicide. In 2006 there were 291 suicides recorded.
Mr McGimpsey said the problem is not just prevalent in Northern Ireland, but “has the potential to be repeated in other jurisdictions.”
“For that reason I will be raising this issue at my forthcoming meetings with my counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.”
Michael McGimpsey chairs the Ministerial Coordination Group on Suicide Prevention.
(JM/KMcA)
Mr McGimpsey met with providers including Vodafone, Bebo and Google and requested they confirm by the end of the month what action they plan to take.
The Health Minister also highlighted the growing danger of copycat suicides linked to internet useage and he pointed to the number of recent deaths which have been connected with social networking sites.
While also recognising the positive contribution the Web has made, he said: “The work undertaken so far must be welcomed, however what we need are preventative measures now. Young people are our most valuable resource we can not delay in putting in place strong measures aimed at protecting them.”
He continued: “In the last twelve months the rate of suicides in Northern Ireland has increased significantly and the internet has been cited as a contributory factor in some cases."
Between 2000 and 2004 there have been approximately 150 deaths by suicide. In 2006 there were 291 suicides recorded.
Mr McGimpsey said the problem is not just prevalent in Northern Ireland, but “has the potential to be repeated in other jurisdictions.”
“For that reason I will be raising this issue at my forthcoming meetings with my counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.”
Michael McGimpsey chairs the Ministerial Coordination Group on Suicide Prevention.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
08 June 2009
Fourth Swine Flu Case Diagnosed In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has registered the fourth confirmed case of swine flu. The man who yesterday tested positive had recently returned from Florida. He is being treated with anti-virals, and is recovering well. Those that have been in close contact with him have also been receiving the treatment.
Fourth Swine Flu Case Diagnosed In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has registered the fourth confirmed case of swine flu. The man who yesterday tested positive had recently returned from Florida. He is being treated with anti-virals, and is recovering well. Those that have been in close contact with him have also been receiving the treatment.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
05 November 2008
Bring Back Minor Ailments Scheme, Says O'Neill
A leading member of the Northern Ireland Assembly's Health Committee has called for the speedy re-establishment of a previously successful initiative to tackle minor ailments at community level.
Bring Back Minor Ailments Scheme, Says O'Neill
A leading member of the Northern Ireland Assembly's Health Committee has called for the speedy re-establishment of a previously successful initiative to tackle minor ailments at community level.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
