Sir, - I read with interest your report on the inquest of the late Mr Patrick Tierney. This suicide and its reportage raises many complex and serious issues. In many instances in the past, suicide has tended to be reported in a sensationalistic and oversimplified manner by the national media. We are conscious always of the possibility that following such reporting, there may be "copycat" suicides. On the other hand, the provincial press has largely not reported the issue, and this may be just as damaging for society.
Recently we have set up the Irish Association of Suicidology which hopes to bring together all groups interested in the study of suicide and suicidal behaviour. One of the issues we would like to address is the reporting of suicide in the media.
We intend in the next few months to set up a group of all interested parties, professional, media and volunteers, to examine the issue and formulate a code of practice for the reporting of these very tragic issues. Anybody interested in this venture can contact me at the address below. - Yours, etc.,
Chief Psychiatrist,
St Mary's Hospital,
Castlebar,
Co Mayo.