Deep concern at suicides increase
By Michael Pierse
Sinn Féin Youth activists in Dublin have expressed serious
concerns at recent revelations of a further escalation in suicide
rates, most especially among young people.
The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office were said
by Mick Webster of SFY to be ``a clear condemnation of Government
inefficiency in dealing with a serious and worrying issue -
especially for young people.''
The statistics show a 14% increase in suicides since last year,
the disturbing revelation that young men, especially early school
leavers, are particularly vulnerable and a general seven-fold gap
between the number of men and women taking their lives last year.
Suicides have also risen in the Six Counties. In West Belfast, a
task force has been set up following a number of recent suicides
among young people.
SFY activist Lynn Gallagher said, ``These figures forecast an
impending epidemic which could see suicide surpassing road deaths
as the primary killer in Irish society. It also points to a
dangerous level of pressure on young people - educational and
social - driving them to believe their lives are no longer worth
living.''
The activists called for a thorough inquiry by the Government
into the conditions facilitating the increase, and adequate
funding to be afforded to educational and counselling services
within schools and communities. However, they also referred to
the fact that counselling facilities will not be enough - ``the
root causes of this despair must be tackled at their essence.''
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