Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called for the Government to take action on suicide prevention.
Speaking ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, which is being marked around the world tomorrow, he said ‘The Government should mark World Suicide Prevention Day not in any token manner but by making a real commitment not to impose service cuts which will adversely affect those at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide.
‘There is evidence that the hardship caused by the recession has led to an increase in the already high rate of suicide in Irish society, especially among young men.'
Earlier this week, The Samaritans launched a campaign to reduce male suicides.
Suzanne Costello, Director of Samaritans Ireland, said that ‘the implications of Ireland’s economic downturn are really playing havoc with people’s lives… Where the main breadwinner – usually the man – has lost their job and cannot offer a solution to the family’s financial crisis, their levels of anxiety and helplessness can grow.’
The Samaritans are urging people who are in distress to talk about their problems, and to consider calling the 24-hour Samaritans helpline.
