The minister in charge of mental health says honesty is key in treating mental illness.

Kathleen Lynch made the comments after a woman whose husband killed their two young children called for greater family involvement in the care of people with mental illness.

Una Butler's husband, 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 yesterday.

"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", she said.

Minister Lynch told Newstalk Lunchtime a group appointed to review the Mental Health Act wants clinicians to encourage those being treated to be honest.

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