Suicide Rate Falls To Lowest Level In 20 Years
The suicide rate in Ireland has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years.
It’s now the eleventh lowest rate in the EU.
Preliminary figures for 2023 show 302 people died by suicide - a 20 year low.
There is a significant time lag in reporting deaths by suicide while coroner investigations conclude.
However, these figures, which Mental Health Minister Mary Butler is presenting to Cabinet today, still represent overall decline - although she does add life lost through suicide is one too many.
Between 2000 and 2021, there was a 28% drop in suicides - falling from 12.9 per 100 thousand people to 9.2 in 2021, the last year for which we have finalised figures.
Cabinet will also be advised previous self-harm remains the biggest risk factor for suicide.
Self-harm rates dropped by 12% between 2010 and 2023.
It comes as the Department of Health finalises a new policy on suicide and self-harm reduction, due to be completed by the end of the year.
