In 2001, 448 people died by suicide in Ireland compared to 379 deaths in road accidents last year. This tragic epidemic of death by suicide must be given the same priority as road safety by the Government. While I recognise the efforts the Government has made, we can no longer ignore the fact that deaths by suicide among young people under 25 years have reached the point where Ireland now ranks second in this category in the OECD league. Suicide has become the most common cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds in Ireland, a frightening and startling statistic. As the Minister of State pointed out, the most disturbing fact is that male suicide accounts for almost 80% of this figure.