Media reports on inquests should be accompanied by information about where and how to access emotional help, according to a new report on suicide, published by the Western Health Board.
The report produced by the Western Regional Committee on Suicide also recommends that sensitive matters contained in the pathologist's report should be handed to the coroner at inquests, rather than being read out in open court.
Entitled Suicide Prevention - a Shared Endeavour, the report asserts that suicide prevention is "everybody's business" and can best be brought about through a multidisciplinary approach such as a community-wide programme.
It asserts that research has shown that suicide rates increase following the reporting of the suicide of a prominent person or a celebrity with whom vulnerable people can identify.
The increase depends on the way in which the suicide is reported and the prominence given to the story.
Portrayal of suicide or attempted suicide in television is also stated to lead to an increase in such behaviour.
"Reporting suicide in the media must avoid detailed and explicit information of the method used. All reporting or portrayal of suicide in the media should be accompanied by information about where and how to access help. The Irish Association of Suicidology and the Samaritans have published guidelines on the portrayal of suicide in the media."
In relation to inquests, it is recommended that sensitive matters not be read out in court and that inquests be held on a case- specific basis to avoid distress.