The rising suicide rate is being linked in part to the end of corporal punishment, the coroner for Kerry east and south Terence Casey said today.

Mr Casey is calling for real and open debate about suicide.

He believes that society now lacks respect for others and authority - which in turn leads to a lack of respect for life.

“The lack of punishment has given us a lack of respect of love of life and people’s neighbours and property.

“The lack of respect for your own life might follow that. I might be wrong but that is my own personal feeling,” he said.