One suicide attempt every 45 minutes, claims FG

ONE person in Ireland attempts suicide every 45 minutes, Fine Gael claimed yesterday at the launch of a campaign to tackle the problem.

As members of Young Fine Gael called for a nationwide advertising campaign to address the problem, figures showed suicide was the biggest killer in the 15-34 age group, accounting for a quarter of all deaths.

Statistics revealed 213 people under the age of 35 died by suicide in 2003, out of the total of 444.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said it was essential that young people were the driving force behind removing the stigma of suicide.

“What makes the campaign even more critical is that it is generated by young politicians, from the generation most affected by the tragedy of suicide,” he said.

“They know best the stresses and pressures that young people face today. They can pinpoint the gaps in services that lead so many young people to end their lives.”

Mr Kenny insisted the campaign was not party political and called for recommendations of the 1998 National Task Force on Suicide to be implemented.

A total of 86 measures on suicide prevention were highlighted by the group seven years ago - Fine Gael said they had been largely ignored.

As the party claimed the Government would invest €15 million to develop psychiatric services this year - a quarter of what was spent on e-voting - Mr Kenny said he was committed to implementing the recommendations.

He also said removing the stigma of mental health was critical to the campaign.

“Every day we live, meet and work with men and women who are suffering from anxiety, who are feeling down, feeling fragile or depressed,” he said.

“If we are to call ourselves a civil society, a caring society, we must create the atmosphere where these men and women can talk openly about those feelings and get the support they need.”

Young Fine Gael executive member Conor Cresham called on the Government to make the money available for support groups and the creation of a national support centre.

“Young Fine Gael are calling for the provision of a tracking and long-term support service for those who have attempted suicide or self-harm,” he said.

“A proactive nationwide campaign addressing the stigma and taboo relating to the issue of life problems, mental illness, depression and suicide is also required. This will help young people to seek help and advice.”

Young FG called for:

* TV and cinema ad campaigns aimed at detecting depression and suicidal tendencies in young people.

* A nationwide scheme addressing the stigma and taboo of mental illness, depression and suicide.

* A national support service with funding for voluntary groups.

* Tracking and long-term support service for those who have attempted suicide or self-harm.

* Co-ordinated countrywide prevention measures including implementing the recommendations of the 1998 task force.

* Training for teachers to detect suicidal tendencies in second-level pupils.

* Increased investment in the mental health sector to 11% of the overall health budget.