Suicides Soar By 43%

Government figures released today show that the level of suicides in Ireland has skyrocketed by 43% in the last year.

Suicides registered in the first quarter of 2009 stood at 106 compared to 74 in the same period of 2008. Over 4 in 5 suicides were male.

Experts have warned the impact of the economic recession was contributing to the soaring suicide rate following a 16 year record low in 2008.

However, a HSE spokesperson insisted the CSO’s provisional suicide figures had to be treated with utmost caution, pointing out that many of the suicides registered in early 2009 are likely to have occurred last year, as they are not formally recorded until after inquests.

The news comes as Padraig Harrington officially launched a new 24-hour suicide prevention helpline in Dublin. The service, named 1Life, offers confidential advice and support nationwide for callers in need of help.

In addition to individuals in suicidal crisis, the service is of particular relevance to people who are feeling very low, who have had suicidal thoughts, who are self-harming, or who want to discuss any problems in relation to suicide.

The service is provided by a team of professional counsellors and trained volunteers and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on (1800 247100).

Fianna Fáil's Chris Andrews has called for a review of suicide prevention figures in light of the CSO figures.

(DW/BMcC)