This week, we're taking a look back on a crucial oral evidence session which took place on Monday (2 September 2019).

If we rewind back to November last year, the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee, a standing committee of Tynwald, committed to undertake an inquiry into the topic of suicide.

The move came as part of its report on mental health here.

The committee set out to look at:

i) The adequacy of preventative measures;

ii) The response of public services following instances of suicide;

iii) The role and functioning of the Coroner of Inquests; and

iv) The support available for those affected by suicide.

The panel consists of David Cretney MLC plus MHKs Martyn Perkins and Julie Edge.

Mr Cretney and Mr Perkins heard in public from the Minister of Health and Social Care David Ashford, and Dr Henrietta Ewart who is Director of Public Health.

We hear that discussion in full, and we also listen to previous conversations on the topic, with Bill Henderson MLC and also with the then-Director of Community Care, Angela Murray.

Incidentally, the panel will hear from Murray - now the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Health and Social Care - from 3:30pm this Monday (9 September).