At least 60,000 people attempt suicide or self-harm in Ireland each year, the president of the Irish Association of Suicidology claimed today.
Dan Neville, who is also Fine Gael TD for Limerick and and the party's spokesman on mental health, told the National Conference of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy that 11,000 people suspected of attempting suicide or injuring themselves are treated in A&E departments of Irish hospitals each year.
He claimed the Government has failed to tackle the problem of mental illness, which affects one in four peoplea at some stage of their lives. "It is a disgrace that development of mental health services are neglected year after year," Mr Neville told the conference in Dublin Castle.
Mr Neville said there was an "urgent need" for greater psychotherapy in the mental health area, with figures from the Irish College of Psychiatry showing that 83 per cent of psychiatric consultants do not have access to a psychotherapist.
"The treatment plan for a patient with a mental illness should address both the pharmacological, psychological and social needs of the patient," he said. "In 80 per cent of cases in Ireland the psychological and social needs are ignored.
"Private psychotherapists and psychologists are available in the community. Why can we not buy 8 or 10 sessions for the individuals concerned under the National Treatment Purchase Fund?" he asked. "I cannot see the reason why varicose veins and now removal of tattoos is more important than the treatment of depression."
Mr Neville also called for increased Government investment in counselling services for suicidal people, particularly outside office hours.
"Society as a whole must demand that the causes of this enormous public health issue are researched and those in crisis and their families are entitled to professional help. This is not adequately available at present," Mr Neville added.