BY NUALA MCALOON
There were 19 registered deaths due to 'suicide and self-inflicted injury' and 'undetermined injury whether accidentally or purposefully inflicted', in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in 2005, the latest year for which official figures are available. That figure compares with 11 road deaths in Fermanagh that year.
This latest statistic emerged as a result of a Parliamentary question tabled by the DUP's Iris Robinson.
It is the second highest in Northern Ireland, with Mid-Ulster marginally faring out worst overall with a total of 20 registered deaths.
The constituency figure is in stark contrast to the 2004 figure when there were eight suicides in Fermanagh-South Tyrone, and to the 2003 figure when six people died.
Of the last ten recorded years, the highest number of deaths by suicide in Fermanagh and South Tyrone were registered in 1998 when ten people died and in 2001 when 11 people died.
The overall suicide rate for Northern Ireland in 2005 was at an all time high with 213 recorded deaths, comparing with 146 in 2004, and 144 in 2005.
Responding to the soar of suicide rates here, DUP MLA Arlene Foster described the rise here as, 'disturbing'.
"Reducing preventable suicides will be a key objective of the new administration at Stormont," she stated. "The issue must be kept high on the political agenda. After heart disease and cancer, suicide is the third largest contributor to life years lost in the province."
The DoE Minister designate suggested that greater community and voluntary sector involvement was essential in tackling the suicide issue.
"Much more needs to be done to tackle the stigma of mental illness and increase public awareness about mental ill health and the risk of suicide. This will require substantial investment.
"There must be a range of efforts pursued to attempt to limit suicide, directed at an individual level, as well as at community and province-wide levels. Cross-sectoral co-operation is essential. An on-going process of educating the public, as well as key individuals within the community, about suicide and mental health must continue," she went on.
She said people had to bear in mind that suicide was an issue that must be tackled on a province-wide basis.
"People right across Northern Ireland are at risk. Suicide is more common in an urban setting, but rural isolation is also often relevant. Convenient access to the means to commit suicide, such as weapons or lethal drugs, is another factor."
