Figures published today in the fifth annual report of the National Parasuicide Registry have revealed that there were 10,800 presentations to hospitals in 2005 due to deliberate self-harm.
The presentations involved 8,600 people, some returning to hospitals a number of times.
Minister of State at the Department of Health, Tim O'Malley, said it is the Government and society's fault that we have not paid enough attention to social issues such as suicide.
The minister called for the open discussion of suicide and self-harm.
He said that the link between suicide and alcohol was something that presents a huge challenge to those working in the area of mental health.
The figures represent a decrease of around 300 from the 2004 report of the registry.
46% of the presentations were made by people under the age of 30 and the female rate was 37% higher than the male rate.
The counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin (North), Meath and Louth, along with the Health Service Executive-West area had the highest rates of reported self-harm.
The report was published today at the second annual forum for suicide prevention, organised by the National Office for Suicide Prevention.
The head of the office, Geoff Day, said this morning that the figures indicate a need for continued effort in the area of suicide prevention.
