Lynch promises 'in-your-face' information campaign on suicide issue

Minister of State for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch has today promised a high-profile public information campaign on the issue of suicide.

A new report shows that Ireland has the fourth highest rate of young men taking their own lives in Europe.

The research says alcohol, the recession and the levels of unemployment are behind the recent spike in suicide rates.

Minister Lynch says the issue of is a priority for the Government and will be confronted.

"This has to [involve] all of society," she said.

"So we need to get involved as well in relation to a massive public information campaign specifically geared towards particular groups, and it has to be in-your-face.

"We've gone past the notion of not speaking about it."