CSO Suicide Mortality Statistics Liaison Group Meeting
Via Zoom
Wednesday October 25th, 2023 at 2pm
Action Points
- Present: Tim Linehan, Declan Costello, Dr Paul Corcoran, Niall McTernan, Prof Ella Arensman, John O'Connor, Jackie Hickey, Ms Sarah Woods, Barry Kestell, Sean O'Connor, Grace Tyrell
- Apologies: Dr Mary Flanagan, David Griffin, Suzi Lyons, Prof Philip Dodd, Dr Cróna Gallagher
- Action Points: Niall McTernan
Welcome/Introductions
- Tim initiated the meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance.
- Grace Tyrell from the Garda Síochána Analysis Service Section joined the meeting in place of Laura Galligan, who will return from maternity leave in early 2024.
Action points and matters arising from the meeting held on April 20th, 2023
- Tim reviewed the minutes and action points from the previous group meeting held on April 20th, 2023.
- All action points on agenda for further discussion today.
Annual release - CSO Summary of Suicide Statistics
- 2023 release to be published on November 14th.
- Currently data to be added on a six-month cycle with the aim of a quarterly approach in time.
- Ella queried what the latest year with final data is. CSO to investigate and respond.
- Paul suggested that a caveat on late registered deaths and delays is included in the release.
- Tim indicated that the CSO would welcome suggestions on phrasing and terminology for the release and an associated press briefing.
- Ella emphasized the importance of correct terminology and presentation, citing recent media coverage of a murder suicide involving firearms in New York where details were extensively reported in the press.
- Sarah shared HSE language guidelines with the group.
- Sean indicated that there will be a focus on late registered deaths in the release.
- Ella suggested that explanations are provided in relation to late registered deaths.
Action points
- CSO to invite suggestions on content and terminology for release on November 14th.
Update on ICD-11 transition
- Upscale planned for 2027-2028 in line with Eurostat.
- John provided an overview of dual coding tools including the Doris web-based application. Tim suggested this will not be used by CSO if off site data used.
- Jackie alluded to request from the HSE and help link in relation to accessing cause of death data.
- Tim outlined plans for data to be coded before the death goes to the CSO, in France for example 75% if deaths are automated allowing for greater standardisation.
Action points
- Include ICD-11 update as recurring agenda item.
Update on the Suicide and Self-Harm Observatory
- Ella provided an update on data from Kerry.
- Two thirds of deaths were male.
- Hanging and drowning most prevalent.
- Concern about firearms and members of the traveller community.
- Ella informed the group that a tender document for review of the Observatory is in circulation.
- A new researcher will be appointed in December.
- Tim stated that the data outlines the importance of timeliness.
Action points
- Ella to prepare observatory document for discussion at next meeting.
AOB
- Niall queried if there is any update on the An Garda Síochána initiative around classifying and redefining probable/suspected deaths by suicide.
- Grace to follow up with Chief Superintendent Minnock in relation to update at next meeting.
- Ella paid tribute to outgoing group co-chair Eileen Williamson who is stepping down from the role and her position as Chief Executive Officer of the National Suicide Research Foundation. Eileen was influential in setting up the group in January 2015.
Action points
- An Garda Síochána to provide update on classifying and redefining probable/suspected deaths by suicide initiative at next meeting.
Date and venue for next meeting
January 17th, 2024 at 2pm, via zoom.
