Growth Of Suicide Demands New Answers

Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD has called on the government to invest more money and resources in suicide awareness and prevention, and to agree an all-island suicide prevention strategy with the Executive in the North. Crowe was speaking after attending a candle light  vigil in Dodder Park, Tallaght to mark World Suicide Day.

Deputy Seán Crowe said

“Around 500 people die each year in this State and 300 in the North.

“It is accepted by statutory and non government organisations that the real figure for suicide is higher and that as many as 1000 citizens die across the island of Ireland each year by suicide.

“The human cost of which, on families, friends and their communities, is truly devastating. Suicide effects all sections and all generations, the wealthy and the poor, from the very young to the very old, and in rural and urban areas.

“We need collectively to respond to this crisis and come up new approaches and solutions

“Self-harming is also a huge issue and on the increase in Irish society.

“Thousands are admitted to hospitals every year as a result of self-harm which in many cases go unreported or are kept hidden like a dirty secret. The Self Harm Registry published last week recorded that 12,010 people presented themselves to hospitals in 2012.

“While positive work has been done in recent years in raising awareness in developing suicide prevention strategies and producing reports, there needs to be a more cohesive,  co ordinated and urgent response to this plague that is whipping through society.

“In particular suicide, like all mental health matters, does not receive the budget that is required to tackle this scourge.

“One significant contribution to tackling suicide and self-harm would be greater co-operation between the health services north and south. In particular the creation of an all-Ireland Suicide Prevention Agency that would co-ordinate the work of all of those involved could bring immediate benefits.

“I want to thank Noeleen Fulham for organising tonight’s event which  highlighted the suicide issue. It gave many of us an opportunity to  grieve and reflect for the many friends and individuals who we know  have died from self harm during our lives.

“Out of worthwhile events like tonight more action needs to come from Government and we need a joined up societal response to this growing worldwide phenomena.”