Suicide has become a serious social problem in this country. This trend is not confined to Ireland but is a growing global problem. Suicide is now the most common cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds. Apart from the increase in the overall rate of suicide, a disturbing feature is the significant rise in the male suicide rate which accounted for 421 of the 504 suicide deaths in 1998. These are worrying trends which require further research so that better strategies are developed to help people who are particularly at risk.
Since the publication of the final report of the National Task Force on Suicide in 1998, a national suicide prevention/reduction strategy has commenced with a partnership approach being adopted between health boards and non-statutory services. Central to the strategy, in so far as the health services are concerned, has been the establishment of a suicide research group by the health boards to conduct research and advise health boards on measures to prevent and reduce suicide and attempted suicide.