444 Irish people died by suicide in 2003, of whom 358 were male.
Suicide is the biggest cause of death among the 15 to 24 age group in Ireland.
Of those who die by suicide, it is estimated that between 65 per cent and 90 per cent of them were suffering from an undiagnosed or untreated mental illness at the time.
Excessive alcohol intake - in particular, binge drinking - is believed to be a big factor in "impulsive" suicides.
11,200 people attended hospital A & E departments in 2003 as a result of self-harm or suicide attempts.
Money spent on suicide prevention in this country is estimated to be one-fifth of that spent on trying to prevent road deaths.
HELPLINES
Childline: 1800 666 666
Samaritans: 1850 60 90 90
Console helpline for those
bereaved by suicide: 1800
201 890
WEBSITES
www.mentalhealthireland.ie
www.aware.ie
www.suicidebereaved.com