Slight Drop In Number Of Deaths By Suicide

There has been a slight drop in deaths by suicide compared to 2013, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

459 deaths by suicide were registered in 2014, compared to 475 in 2013.

Fine Gael Party Chairperson and TD for Limerick, Dan Neville, said any reduction is welcomed, however he said it still remains a problem.

Mr Neville said: "Any indication of a downward trend in the rate of suicide must be welcomed but when it comes to suicide, we must always question the accuracy of the figures.

"It is a fact that in some cases a definite cause of death cannot be determined and a number of these cases could be suicide. This has always been the case however, so we can accept that the trend is moving downwards, though it still remains unacceptably high.

"Males accounted for 80% of all suicide deaths in 2014 confirming that men are most at risk and that awareness campaigns need to be particularly targeted at them.

"In recent years, a national conversation around mental health has been taking place, more people have spoken openly about their experiences of depression, suicidal thoughts and mental ill-health. This is very beneficial.

"There has also been significant investment of €135 million in mental health services and particularly in community based care. These are all positive developments however the level of awareness and investment comes from an extremely low base."

(CD/JP)