The number of suicides in the State continues to decline, but it is too early to say whether this trend is significant, the national body charged with suicide prevention has said.
Publishing its annual report for 2008 today, the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) noted there were 424 deaths by suicide in 2008, a drop from 460 the previous year.
A total of 332 (78 per cent) of those who died by suicide last year were male, while 92 (22 per cent) were female.
The data is, however, treated as provisional data as suicide can only be treated as such once a coroner’s inquest has taken place, the NOSP said.
“Often the time from death to coroner’s inquest can extend beyond the end of the year when data is collected.”
But it said the rate of suicide per 100,000 of population is now the lowest since 1993, when suicide was decriminalised, given the rate of population growth in that period.
The highest rates overall for suicides in Ireland are reported for those aged between 20 and 24 years. For males, the higest rates for suicide are, among those aged between 20 and 24 years. Women in their early 50s count for the highest female rates.
Ireland has the fourth highest rate of youth suicide in the EU behind Lithuania, Finland and Estonia, the NOSP report reveals.
But Ireland also has the sixth lowest rate of suicide in the EU amongst its total population.
The NOSP is holding its 4th annual forum on suicide prevention in Dublin today. Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health John Moloney formally launched the annual report at that event and over 70 organisations working in the area of suicide prevention are represented.
This afternoon, the session will focus on the work on suicide prevention amongst the lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender community. Broadcaster Anna Nolan will chair the session, which include presentations from LGBT organisations and young people.
NOSP director Geoff Day said it had been nearly four years since Reach Out- the national strategy for action on suicide was published.
“We thought this was an appropriate time for the many organisations working so hard to prevent suicide to showcase their efforts.
“We acknowledge the work of the many national and local voluntary organisations as well as the statutory health and education sector. This event reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of those organisations and I want to thank them all for their immense contribution.”
“These reductions in both actual numbers of suicides and the overall rate of suicide, give some cause for optimism that the actions being taken to prevent suicide at local and national level are beginning to impact. Today’s event is an acknowledgement of all these efforts which we hope will continue and have a lasting impact on the tragedy of suicide.”
Suicidal behaviour “continues to be a significant public health issue in Ireland”, the NOSP said.
The body was set up four years ago with a remit to ensure the implementation of the Reach Out strategy and the coordination of suicide prevention activities.