Suicide prevention group urges against spending cuts

A MAJOR suicide prevention group has urged Government not to cut vital funding for tackling the issue as the number of people taking their own lives continues to rise dramatically.

The Irish Association for Suicidology (IAS) made the plea after warning that any cut to support in next week’s budget will put vulnerable people at serious risk of harm.

In a letter sent to Taoiseach Enda Kenny the day after Wales football manager Gary Speed is believed to have taken his own life, the group said that the Government had given a pre-election commitment to increase mental health and suicide prevention care. IAS honorary secretary Dr John Connolly said this was based on the fact evidence indicates that every 1% unemployment rate rise causes a similar increase in suicides.