‘More pro-active response’ needed to tackle suicide epidemic

Funding is available to tackle the country’s suicide epidemic but early intervention demands a more pro-active response from both the community and service providers, Kathleen Lynch said yesterday.

The junior minister with responsibility for mental health was commenting on a report by the National Suicide Research Foundation that highlighted factors in suicides, such as relationship break-ups, bereavement, and finances.

Ms Lynch said there was a need to reach out and identify people at risk of suicide at an early stage.