Those who have lost their lives by suicide were remembered yesterday on World Suicide Prevention Day by a candelight vigil and ceremony in Dublin.
The Irish charity organisation, 3TS: Turning the Tide of Suicide, organised the event to join the global initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
The occasion was marked by a candle ceremony, a minute's silence and music from the Dublin Welsh Choir on the forecourt of the Bank of Ireland, College Green.
The president of the GAA, Mr Sean Kelly, was among those taking part and lit a candle on behalf of the young people of Ireland.
A message of support from the President, Mrs McAleese, was also received.
Prof Kevin Malone, of the department of psychiatry and mental health research at St Vincent's Hospital, speaking on behalf of 3TS, said the vigil was a solemn occasion of respect and remembrance.
"If we are to turn the tide of suicide in this country, then it is critical that people realise that suicide in Ireland isn't someone else's problem, it is everyone's problem," he said.
The president of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Mr Dan Neville TD, the Fine Gael spokesman for health, said almost 450 people died by suicide each year in the State, and this passed almost unnoticed.
In addition to the high number of suicide deaths, 10,000 people reported to A&E as a result of self-harm or attempted suicide, he said.
"I am calling on the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to recognise the epidemic of suicide and attempted suicide and to take measures to introduce properly funded prevention policies," Mr Neville said.
The association's secretary, Mr John Connolly, said the tragedy of suicide should be addressed by improving mental health facilities. Other measures should include adequate funding for mental health services, promotion of good mental health in schools and workplaces, and changes in the drinking culture, especially among young people.
All these issues needed to be addressed in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy being drafted by statutory bodies, he said.
The association will hold its ninth annual conference on September 29th to October 1st at the Talbot Hotel, Wexford.