Recession directly to blame for up to 560 suicides

Up to 560 suicides between 2008 and 2012 can be directly linked to the recession, according to a study that also blames a significant increase in deliberate self-harm on the downturn.

The findings are contained in a report to be presented to the Oireachtas Health Committee next week on suicide prevention.

It is the culmination of two years’ research carried out by a number of organisations in co-operation with Senator John Gilroy, the Oireachtas rapporteur on suicide prevention.