Some elements of the media failed to have regard to voluntary guidelines on the reporting of suicide in their coverage of the Monageer report earlier this year, a forum on suicide has heard.
The HSE is hosting a forum for the media on the reporting on suicide and self-harm in conjunction with the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention, Irish Association of Suicidology (IAS) and The Samaritans.
It said those engaged in today’s discussions were “seeking to ensure that media coverage on suicide and self harm is balanced and does not cause unnecessary distress to families or the vulnerable in our society”.
“Research indicates that copycat suicides account for approximately 6 per cent of all suicides and this imitative behaviour can follow certain types of news reports and other portrayals of suicide, a statement said.
It said that at the time of the Monageer inquiry report into the deaths of Adrian Dunne, his partner Ciara O’Brien and their children Leanne (5) and Shania (3) in Wexford in April 2007, journalists covering the findings and recommendations were asked in advance to adhere to the Irish Association of Suicidology/Samaritans guidelines.
“The resulting media coverage was discussed at today's forum showing that that there were significant breaches of the reporting guidelines in the level of detail that was published by some media outlets. It also highlighted that the majority of media outlets did not include contact details of relevant support groups in articles.”
The HSE said reporting on suicide “can be a difficult task that requires an in-depth level of understanding and sensitivity to the issues surrounding such cases”.
“The role of the media is significant in actively reducing stigma when reporting on this issue.”
Speaking at the forum Dr John Connolly, secretary of the Irish Association of Suicidology said: "Copycat suicide and suicide clusters are a reality. Robust research exists, showing that there is an association between certain types of media reporting and portrayal of suicide and copycat suicide.
“Research also shows that reporting of suicide in keeping with the guidelines produced by the Irish Association of Suicidology and Samaritans can lessen that impact.”
Dr Connolly said “goodwill and care” in reporting on suicide, in keeping with the guidelines “should not prove difficult and will undoubtedly save lives”.
New media guidelines for reporting suicide are due to be published later this year and the HSE is holding today’s forum to discuss the issues pertaining to reporting on suicide. Compliance with the guidelines is voluntary but many media organisations adhere to them.
Speakers at today's event include chief State pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy, Dr John Connolly, psychiatrist and secretary of the IAS, Jane Arigho, project co-ordinator of Headline and Geoff Day, director of the National Office of Suicide Prevention.