TD helps disarm man attempting to harm himself outside Dáil

James Cox

A Fine Gael TD assisted gardaí in disarming a man who was attempting to harm himself with a knife outside the Dáil on Wednesday evening.

Wicklow Wexford TD Brian Brennan came across the man, who was in a distressed state.

Along with Mark Darmody, the father of 15-year-old disability rights activist Cara Darmody, who was staging a protest outside Leinster House, Brennan assisted gardaí and emergency services in disarming the man and keeping him safe.

Brennan told BreakingNews.ie: "Eventually medical services arrived, and thankfully he is now getting the help he needs.

"Instinct just came in, and my thoughts and prayers are with the man. I also have to give huge credit to Mark [Darmody], the gardaí, and emergency services."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. 

Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support. 

In the case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 999/112.