World Suicide Day marked in Dublin

Up to 300 people have taken part in a candle-lit vigil at College Green, Dublin to mark World Suicide Day and to remember family and friends killed by suicide.

Almost 500 people take their own lives in Ireland every year.

Minister for Health Tanaiste Mary Harney this week launched a 10 year Government strategy to try and combat the problem.

The Samaritans say it’s a positive step. Spokesperson for the charity Paul O’Hare is hopeful the strategy will co-ordinate work that is already going on and mark real progress in dealing with the issue of suicide.