Hi °C | Lo °C CHILDHOOD suicide accounted for more than a fifth of all deaths among 10 to 17-year-olds during the space of a year, a new report has revealed, writes Lyndsey Telford.
Sixteen youngsters in that age group took their own lives in 2011, while almost 1,000 were admitted to hospital with self-harm injuries.
Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the figures highlighted the need for early intervention to support vulnerable youths.
"If we don't intervene, the cost will be very high to society," Ms Fitzgerald warned.
Figures in the new State of the Nation's Children Report showed 13 boys took their own lives compared with three girls.
But the number of 10 to 17-year-olds who died by suicide in 2011 was down from the previous three years.
Irish Independent
