Almost three out of four people in the Republic know someone who has taken their own life, according to the first major piece of research into public attitudes towards suicide. The figure in the North is lower, at 59 per cent.
The opinion poll also shows that while most people are understanding of suicide, they feel people should be prevented from taking their lives at all costs.
Issues surrounding the morality of suicide and the right to die are contentious and highly polarising, with respondents split over these questions.
The research by Millward Brown IMS was commissioned by the Irish Association of Suicidology, which says the findings will help inform new strategies to reduce the level of suicide.
Official figures show there were 432 suicide deaths in the Republic last year. While the numbers are relatively low compared to other European countries, we have one of the highest youth suicide rates in the European Union.
Poll results show that most people feel the increase in suicide is a result of the reluctance of men to talk about their feelings or seek help. Other issues include pressure facing men in modern society.
Overall, the majority of people feel depression and loneliness are the main factors behind most suicides. This is followed by inability to cope with the pressures of life, money problems and relationship difficulties.
The stigma surrounding suicide also appears to be easing. Some 79 per cent of respondents in the South and 64 per cent in the North agreed with the decriminalisation of suicide.
Half of people in the South agreed that suicide was more acceptable nowadays. The taboo around the issue appears to have eroded less in the North, however, where 40 per cent felt suicide was more acceptable.
Dr John Connolly of the association said the poll also showed up that many "myths" about suicide persisted. These include perceptions that people who attempt suicide on a number of occasions rarely end up killing themselves.
This, he said, was a myth which split opinions evenly into those who agree with the perception and those who disagree with it. Mental health campaigns and the media will have a role in targeting many such myths that persist around mental health issues.
Very few people feel a suicidal person should be left to their own devices.
Although the view in the South against this notion is stronger than in the North, it is clear the majority of people on the island are strongly opposed to an uncaring approach.
However, when the factor of a terminal illness is introduced to the debate, attitudes change considerably.
In such circumstances just under half of respondents believe people should be allowed to take their own lives. This is coupled, however, with strong levels of disagreement.
The question of whether people have a right to take their own life also attracts a similar pattern of polarised views.
Large majorities of people in the Republic (83 per cent) and the North (86 per cent) said their governments were found wanting when it came to raising awareness about the issue.
Fine Gael's deputy spokesman on health and a veteran campaigner on issues of suicide said it was clear that the "vast majority of people do not think enough is being done to prevent suicide in Ireland".
Minister of State for Health Tim O'Malley said there was no easy intervention that would guarantee success in reducing suicide levels.
However, all stakeholders needed to work together to address the challenges ahead. "We all have our part to play in helping those who may experience and face adverse events in life, and emotions and feelings so strong that they consider taking their own lives.
"We must aim to provide accessible, sensitive, appropriate and, where required, intensive support."
