Suicide in Ireland: Statistical, social and clinical considerations

Under-reporting has been a frequent criticism of mortality statistics,especially in data from Ireland. Cantor et al. (1997) report a new study,claiming that the data in Ireland are unreliable, based on a sudden increasein suicide. However, this paper examined this belief further, showing thatthe data may well be reliable, and provides explanations for the regionalvariation in certification and the rise of suicide in Irish males. Becauseof the rise in suicide, an outline for reducing suicide in Ireland isreported, highlighting a national response, a National Task Force, and anindependent research foundation, Suicide Research Foundation.