SUICIDE IN IRELAND - STATISTICAL, SOCIAL AND CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Under-reporting has been a frequent criticism of mortality statistics, especially in data from Ireland. Canter et al. (1997) report a new st udy, claiming that the data in Ireland are unreliable, based on a sudd en increase in suicide. However, this paper examined this belief furth er, showing that the data may well be reliable, and provides explanati ons for the regional variation in certification and the rise of suicid e in Irish males. Because of the rise in suicide, an outline for reduc ing suicide in Ireland is reported, highlighting a national response, a National Task Force, and an independent research foundation, Suicide Research Foundation.