Speaking following the meeting, Health Minister Robin Swann said, “We continue to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic on suicide and mental health and wellbeing.
“While suicide rates have not shown any increase during the pandemic period, I want to reassure people that services continue to be available for anyone in distress or despair.
“Today also provided an opportunity for members to hear about the development of the new Substance Use Strategy.
“Ministers have previously discussed the close linkages between this Strategy and emotional health and wellbeing and mental health.
He added, “Preventing harm from substance use and empowering recovery will also benefit our work on mental health and suicide prevention.”
Two police officers have been injured and a police vehicle damaged following an incident in Crossmaglen on Thursday evening.
Officers on patrol in the Corrasmoo Road area of Cullaville were alerted to a dark blue Transit-type van that was causing an obstruction around 11.20pm.
When officers stopped to speak with the van driver, the driver made off at speed, ramming the police vehicle and injuring one of the officers who was getting out of the car to investigate.
The officer suffered leg and arm injuries while his colleague sustained injuries to his wrist and back.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: This was a reckless incident which has left two of our officers injured.
PSNI officers injured as car rammed by van in reckless attack
Due to the nature of the injuries, the officers have been unable to return to duty today
Police said having to take their car off the road affected their service delivery (Image: PSNI)
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