The attitudes and practices of Irish society are not conducive to good mental health, President Mary McAleese has said.
President Mary McAleese
Mrs McAleese made the remarks at the first Health Service Executive (HSE) forum on suicide prevention in Dublin today.
Speaking to an audience of suicide prevention experts, the President said that Ireland needed to develop a culture of openness where concerns could be easily articulated and not "dangerously suppressed".
"International evidence shows that reducing the suicide rate requires a collective, concerted effort from all groups in society - health, social services and other professionals, communities, voluntary and statutory agencies and organisations, parents, friends, neighbours and individuals," she said.
"I look forward to seeing the growth of a culture and environment where people in psychological distress don't hesitate to seek help from family, friends and health professionals."
The role of alcohol in Irish society provides an "obvious starting point" to addressing the problem, she added.
The event, at which deliberate self-harm was discussed alongside suicide, was organised by the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention, and was also addressed by office director Geoff Day.
The office was established on the recommendation of the September 2005 report, "Reach Out - A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention".
Mr Day confirmed that more than 11,000 people are treated for self-inflicted injuries at Irish A&E departments every year and outlined how the €1.2 million in additional funding made available to the HSE to tackle the problem will be spent this year.
Some 494 people died by suicide in Ireland between 2000 and 2002.