Press Release: Tuesday 6 May 2025
Minister for Mental Health advises Government of overall reduction in suicide and self-harm rates in Ireland
The Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has today updated Cabinet colleagues about a reduction in Ireland’s suicide and self-harm rates, and the level of response to the public consultation on the new suicide reduction policy currently being developed by the Department of Health.
In recent years there has been significant progress in reducing incidence of suicide and self-harm, and between the years 2000 and 2021 Ireland has seen a 28% reduction in the suicide rate, falling from 12.9 per 100,000 in 2000 to 9.2 per 100,000 in 2021. This has resulted in Ireland having the 11th lowest suicide rate in the EU for all deaths, according to Eurostat data.
Preliminary figures record 302 deaths by suicide in 2023, the lowest preliminary figure in over 20 years.
While there is a significant time lag in reporting on deaths by suicide, and this number will revise upwards as Coroner investigations conclude, the overall decline shows progress in suicide reduction in Ireland.
It’s important to acknowledge every life lost to suicide is one too many, and the Government is committed to further reduction of suicide through the development and implementation of a new suicide reduction policy.
Recently published data from the National Suicide Research Foundation Self-Harm Registry also highlights that between 2010 and 2023, self-harm rates decreased by 12%. Previous self-harm remains the biggest risk factor for suicide.
Speaking after Cabinet today, Minister Butler said:
“Every death by suicide has a devastating effect on families, loved ones and the entire community. I updated Cabinet today on the progress we are making in reducing suicide in Ireland but there is always more to do.
“I want to thank my colleagues across Government for their role in implementing Connecting for Life. A cross-departmental approach is very important because reducing suicide is everyone’s business.”
Deaths by suicide in Ireland peaked in 2012 during the recession, and the rate has been decreasing for some years now. There is also no indication that there was an increase in the number of people who lost their lives to suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic, where a comprehensive package of financial supports was put in place to support those at risk. Financial stress is a key risk factor for suicide.
Connecting for Life is Ireland’s national suicide reduction strategy, which came to an end in 2024. Implementation of the strategy was led by the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) and the Department of Health and had strong cross-departmental support from areas including, Justice, Education, Higher Education, Agriculture and Social Protection.
There has been sustained investment in suicide reduction initiatives over the lifetime of the strategy, with the budget of the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention increasing from €5 million in 2012 to almost €15 million in 2025.
The Department of Health is currently working to develop Ireland’s new suicide reduction policy in collaboration with the main stakeholders across government and society more broadly.
Minister Butler concluded:
“Almost 1,900 people have engaged with our public consultation on the development of our new suicide reduction policy, and I want to thank each and every person for sharing their stories to help others. Making sure our policies are informed by lived and living experience is very important to me.”
Support is always available
If you, or someone you know needs support, visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie – for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or to find a support service in your area.
You can get help through:
- Samaritans on 116 123
- Text HELLO to 50808 anytime day or night (24/7) to text with a trained listening volunteer (textaboutit.ie)
- Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444
- Your GP
- Emergency Department
- HSE Mental Health Services
- Yourmentalhealth.ie or telephone information line 1800 111 888 – anytime day or night, for information on mental health services in your area. Mental health supports and services – HSE.ie
- Samaritans on 116 123
- Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444