Key suicide prevention post empty as rate soars

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.

It is a year since director Geoff Day resigned and his replacement, appointed in July, stayed just three months in the job before being seconded to the Department of Health. Last month, the HSE expressed confidence a permanent director would finally be in place this month.

However, Martin Rogan, HSE assistant national director for mental health, yesterday conceded it was more likely to be mid-November before an appointment is made. Mr Rogan is currently acting in the post.