The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) acknowledges people with lived experience of mental health difficulties, suicide and self-harm, and the experiences of people who have been bereaved by suicide, carers, families or supporters. We are always mindful that suicide prevention work is underpinned by these real experiences, and remember real lives that have been lived, and that have been lost. The initiatives outlined in this report, are targeted to ultimately prevent suicide – by providing a wider understanding of suicidal behaviour and preventative interventions in Ireland, with a view to influencing policy and practice intended to save lives in the future. However, sometimes this type of content can be sensitive, upsetting or triggering to read. We encourage readers to be mindful of this, and to be aware of their own needs and self-care in this space.

• Following suicidal ideation, the second most frequently recorded reason of referral to the NCPSHI was drug and/or alcohol overdose (25%), followed by cutting (11%). 
• In 46% of NCPSHI assessed presentations, substances (involving alcohol and/or drugs) were recorded as contributory factors.

P.25 Safe sales of paracetamol - A new educational campaign targeted at staff in pharmacy and retail settings, aims to remind them of the restrictions on the sales of paracetamol-containing medications that they should always know and follow. Launched in October by Minister Butler at the Department of Health, the campaign has been developed to promote the safe sales of paracetamol, from a self-harm and suicide prevention perspective – and to reduce the incidence of paracetamol-related intentional drug overdose in Ireland. As part of this campaign, new information packs are now available to order or download for pharmacy settings. They contain informative posters and postcards suitable for display in staff areas or noticeboards. They also contain shelfriders/stickers that might be suitable for public-facing or staff-facing display units where paracetamol-containing products are displayed. This campaign is the work of the Preventing Paracetamol-Related Drug Overdose Working Group (WG), led by the Department of Health (Chair), the HSE NOSP, and National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) – with membership including the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The group was established in 2021 to decipher next steps to prevent intentional paracetamol overdose in Ireland. This works supports the implementation of CfL, Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide (2015-2024), and specifically action 6.1.2, ‘continue improvements in adherence to the legislation limiting access to paracetamol through raising awareness amongst retailers and the public and the use of point of-sale systems.’  (see also p.53). 

p.35 Secondary Analysis of Healthy Ireland Data In 2023 HSE NOSP and the NSRF submitted a proposal to the Department of Heath to conduct an in-depth analysis of some of the variables gathered in the Healthy Ireland Survey (Waves 7, 8 and 9) on suicide bereavement and suicidal behaviour. This information will benefit HSE NOSP, the Department of Health and the NSRF in terms of improving understanding of suicide bereavement and suicidal behaviour in individuals in Ireland. In addition, this information will inform the provision of services and the targeting of resources to individuals who are bereaved by suicide and those who are displaying suicidal behaviour. • Explore the factors that are associated with suicide attempts in Ireland e.g. alcohol use, age, gender, employment status and health difficulties. • Explore the impact of suicide bereavement on individuals and any correlations between bereavement and suicide attempts. • Explore risk (e.g., alcohol use) and protective factors (e.g., being married and having children) for suicide prevention. The proposal was approved and supported by the Department of Health and access to the data was granted