Concern at high suicide rate

Last year, 431 people took their own lives in the Republic, the Dáil was told.

Minister of State for Health Tim O'Malley said the suicide rate was 11 per 100,000 of the population.

"Of particular concern is the rate of youth suicide in Ireland, which was the fifth-highest in the EU for 15-24-year-olds in 2004. Sadly, the rate is even higher in Ireland among young men in their 20s and early 30s." Suicide was a serious problem in the State, said Mr O'Malley. Between 2000 and 2003 there were, on average, 495 deaths by suicide in the Republic, peaking at 519 in 2001. The figure in 2004 was 457.

Mr O'Malley said that the Oireachtas subcommittee on suicide had recommended a target to reduce Ireland's overall suicide rate by 20 per cent by 2016. However, he added, it had been decided not to set a specific target because of the priority of establishing the accuracy of suicide mortality in Ireland.

Also, due to the range and interplay of factors influencing the suicide rate, a direct cause and effect relationship between prevention programmes and a change in the overall rate was virtually impossible to establish.

"Nevertheless, there are undoubted advantages to setting targets for an overall reduction, not least the fact that it focuses the attention of those working at all levels of suicide prevention. An overall target for the reduction of suicide rates will be set by the Government, on the advice of the Minister for Health and Children, when suicide rates have been accurately determined."

Mr O'Malley said that in the past there was a reluctance to even discuss the issue of suicide. "Thankfully, this situation has now changed. In Ireland, the level of discussion and openness on mental health issues, including deliberate self-harm and suicide, has increased significantly in recent years. This is a very welcome development."

He said they needed to ensure that public discussion and media coverage of suicide and deliberate self-harm remained measured, well-informed and sensitive to the needs and well-being of psychologically vulnerable and distressed individuals in society.

"In particular, we need to continue to work as a society to create a culture and environment where people in psychological distress feel able to seek help from family, friends and health professionals."

Mr O'Malley said that a strategic framework was required to assist people in identifying effective action on the issue.