Boys aged 16-20 are four times more likely to take their own lives than older people, a major study on suicide in Ireland has found.

A “handful” of people are responsible for implementing the national suicide prevention strategy, according to the former deputy head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention.

The key post of director at the National Office for Suicide Prevention remains unfilled as figures show male suicide has rocketed by almost 140% in the past 30 years.

YOUNG men are much more likely to admit to suicidal thoughts while out drinking with friends — but the remarks are often dismissed as “drunk talk” the following morning.

THE director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention has quit because of ongoing staff shortages in his office.

AN increasing number of 16- to18-year-olds are committing suicide, according to research carried out by a leading charity.

THE founding member of a coalition of suicide charities, the Action on Suicide Alliance, has pulled out of the organisation claiming it now lacks independence and cannot criticise its state funders.

A LEADING suicide prevention campaigner has claimed Government is effectively treating the tragedies as “second-class deaths” by failing to provide adequate funding to combat the crisis.

ALMOST 700 people directly affected by suicide are expected to attend a series of public vigils and support days this week as part of World Suicide Prevention Week.

THE National Office for Suicide Prevention’s (NOSP) latest annual report deliberately misled the public by claiming suicide levels fell last year, a leading support group has claimed.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to make a major speech in Dublin this week to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Minister for Finance Brian Cowen must provide a minimum of €10m to fund suicide prevention initiatives in the next Budget, a Government Watchdog has claimed.

CANDLELIGHT vigils will be held at venues across the country on September 10 to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day.

IAN WOOSNAM and Nick Faldo should hold the European Ryder Cup captaincy in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

On September 10, Ireland will join a global initiative to mark World Suicide Prevention Day with a public candlelight vigil, hosted by the Irish charity organisation 3TS (Turning The Tide of Suicide).