The National Office for Suicide Prevention has said greater funding and an increased focus are needed to tackle Ireland's suicide problem.
Almost 500 people on average die as a result of suicide and around 11,000 people are treated for deliberate self-harm on an annual basis.
Geoff Day, the head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention, said a forum taking place on the issue today would allow all groups involved in the area of suicide prevention to share information which may assist in dealing with the problem.
The organisers have said it is unacceptable that the number of people dying from suicide is greater than the number of people killed in road traffic accidents.
Addressing the conference in Dublin this morning, President Mary McAleese said the forum's 12-point action plan would play a vital role in developing and progressing suicide prevention policy.
