There were 444 deaths by suicide in Ireland last year according to a report published today from the National Suicide Review Group.
This report found that the highest rate of suicide was among men aged between 20 and 29 years-of-age. The lowest suicide rate per head of population was recorded in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area.
The aim of the report was to facilitate the sharing of information across the health boards and other sectors regarding suicide prevention projects and to provide accurate and current information on the patterns of death by suicide in Ireland.
The approach to suicide prevention outlined in the report shows a balance between health promotion and education strategies and interventions targeting high-risk groups.
A total of €4.5 million is earmarked for research and suicide prevention programmes in 2004, according to the Department of Health and Children.