Debate contribution: Mental Well-being, Resilience and Suicide Prevention

Debate contribution by Mr Mark Durkan on 2 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Mark Durkan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 2 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Mental Well-being, Resilience and Suicide Prevention
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5356469

Text

I thank the Minister for that response. Over the past couple of years, we have seen disinvestment in our mental health strategy and our suicide prevention strategy. In my constituency, vital support services have been stripped of funding, and yet more cuts loom for the sector in the shape of the local growth fund. Last year, the number of registered suicides rose to a record 290 — 290 lives lost and families devastated — yet a so-called working group of Ministers has met only once in two years. Does the Minister think that that is good enough? What will she and the Executive do to prioritise mental health?

108 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3015/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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