As the search for missing Derry teenager Andrew Quigley enters its 12th day, a commitment by the DRD Minister that he will consider a multi-agency approach in a bid to stem the tragic loss of life through suicide in the city has been described as “encouraging” by Derry SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey.
Missing: Andrew Quigley.
Nineteen-year-old Andrew has not been seen since leaving a friend’s birthday party in the early hours of Saturday week last. Some of his personal items were found on Foyle Bridge at 7.40am later that morning.
His family have revealed he was struggling from a drug and alcohol addiction but had the “door shut in his face” when he went looking for help, being told he needed to quit his habits first.
Speaking in the Assembly about the “despair and heartache” suffered by Andrew’s mother Colette and her family, Mr Ramsey said the Minister’s news was a positive step forward in the fight to prevent further loss of life in the city.
Mr Ramsey had asked the Minister if he had explored holding discussions with public health bodies or other agencies regarding the installation of prevention or safety measures on the city’s bridges “because there is a high level of loss of life in the city because of this.”
Mr Ramsey said: “I welcome the minister’s response that he would reflect on that and that he has asked me to write to him outlining initiatives on this sensitive issue.
Pat Ramsey MLA
“In light of his co-operation, I was heartened to hear he is minded to meet with agencies such as Foyle Search and Rescue, one of the leading emergency services that help prevent the loss of life, to discuss initiatives that, in the long term, could save someone’s life.”
Mr Ramsey concluded: “I will be moving this matter forward with urgency as time is of the essence for so many vulnerable people in our city and, as elected representatives, we must ensure that anything that can be done in a bid to prevent any further loss of life must be done.”
Tags: