The need for dedicated and substantial funding for suicide-prevention services has been highlighted by Donegal County Coroner, Mr John Cannon.

Mr Cannon's comments came following an inquest into the death by suicide of a 42-year-old man after which Mr Cannon stated: "Forty two is too young to die. This is a terrible tragedy for any family to have visited on them."

He continued: "It is often said that suicide is a worldwide problem but I am encouraged to learn that the authorities have recognised the need for suicide prevention in Ireland. It is a considerable relief to see that under the auspices of the Health Service Executive's a National Office of Suicide Prevention has been established. It is interested in the areas of suicide research, prevention, strategies and bereavement support."

"I am somewhat unhappy, however, that support groups are not being adequately resourced. There is not much purpose in establishing such facilities if they are going to be under-funded."

Mr Cannon added: "Figures have shown that 500 lives are taken each year by suicide in Ireland. This is a very disturbing figure as are the statistics for self-harm in Ireland. A total of eleven thousand people deliberately self-harm and are admitted to the Accident & Emergency departments of Irish hospitals every year. The majority of these cases are young men between the age of 18 to 25 as well as those in their forties."

He continued: "Serious cognisance needs to be taken of the fact that more people die as a result of suicide rather than road traffic accidents. This calls for substantial funding for work in the area of suicide prevention."