A woman whose husband killed their two young children is calling for greater family involvement in the care of people with mental illness.

Una Butler's husband, John, struggled with mental health for a number of years.

In 2010, John killed their two daughters - Ella and Zoe - at their home in Ballycotton in Co Cork.

John then took his own life.

"I don't think I'll ever get over what happened, you just learn to live with what has happened and you do your best everyday", Una told Newstalk Lunchtime.

"I believe it was mental illness that killed my children - the only reason my children are dead is because John suffered with his mental health".

"I believe that had I been involved with his health - with the medical professionals - they would have had a greater insight into his behaviours, and I would have known a lot more; I would have been able to feed the medical professionals with some information about his behaviours at home".

Una says she did meet some of the doctors involved, but that this was "minimised as time went on".

"When John was being discharged I received a telephone call, but I wasn't involved".

"I was told it was a bad bout of depression, but John was discharged from his treatment and I believe there was no safety net at the time".

"I also questioned his medical treatment as well - and I believe that the medical professionals would have had a greater insight into his behaviours by involving me".

And she says: "Patient confidentiality - I know it's very important - but where there's children concerned, children should be the first priority".

Listen to her full interview below:

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can call The Samaritans on 116 123, or e-mail jo@samaritans.org