Deputies want more attention paid to suicide

Several Opposition deputies have urged that more attention be paid to Ireland's growing suicide problem.

A Private Member's motion noted that the latest statistics revealed that suicide now accounted for 50 per cent more deaths annually than road accidents, 444 last year as against 293.

In 2003, a total of 11,200 attempted suicides presented at hospital accident and emergency units.

Independent Cavan-Monaghan TD Paudge Connolly, a former psychiatric nurse, said it appeared that death rates from suicide were not driven home to the same extent as road deaths.

"Do we have the same weekly pattern of carnage with suicide? Nobody knows because we don't have the same preoccupation with this silent killer, merely receiving an annual summary."

Mr Connolly said there should be a full audit of each suicide in the country to enable an understanding of its full circumstances.

Hard questions needed to be asked, such as if the person had sought professional help, presented at an accident and emergency unit, showed signs or symptoms of depression, and other matters.

Independent Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley said suicide in older people was a serious matter.

"Older people who say they will commit suicide are likely to be successful. They do not mess about but kill themselves."

Dr Cowley said there was a terrible scarcity of psychiatric social workers due to a lack of resources. "There are few social workers for older people. They are as rare as hen's teeth. The cost is terrible."

Independent Galway East TD Paddy McHugh said there was a need to highlight the importance of identifying the warning signs and symptoms. "In many cases, the signs and symptoms are visible, but the caring, loving parents, partners and relatives, through no fault of their own, just do not recognise them."

Dún Laoghaire Green Party TD Ciaran Cuffe said it was important for society to think about the needs of people in their teens and early 20s. "We should not put too much pressure on them to behave fully as adults."

Sinn Féin Kerry North TD Martin Ferris described the State's suicide rate as a "national emergency".

Minister of State for Health Tim O'Malley said he shared the concern expressed by deputies.

However, it was important to point out that youth suicide in Ireland was not the highest in the EU.