Suicide – The Figures

Analysing fourteen years of official figures for suicide from the Central Statistics Office, the RTÉ Investigations Unit has examined some of the misconceptions and realities of one of Ireland’s most intractable social problems. Detailed figures broken down by age, gender, employment status and geographical location paint a picture of who and where people appear to be at higher risk.

In recent years, there has been no shortage of reports claiming Ireland is in the midst of an ‘epidemic’ of suicide, with the economic recession frequently being blamed. Yet the statistics show a suicide rate that has stabilised, and in some years has even fallen. The figures nonetheless remain high with almost 7,000 people taking their own lives since 2000.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this online report, you can contact; The Samaritans (phone 116123), Console (1800247247) or Pieta House.

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