The Government is being urged to recognise an increase in suicides as a national emergency.

The Irish Examiner revealed today that 16 people have died by suicide in Cork alone in the past fortnight.

It has resulted in calls for 24-7 services across the country.

The Irish Examiner reported today that among those to have died by suicide in Cork city in recent weeks include an 18-year-old scout from Greenmount, and two of his friends, a 15-year-old girl from Ballyphehane and a 17-year-old girl, a fifth-year student, from Rochestown.

An 18-year-old boy from Mayfield, a 20-year-old man from Togher, and a 44-year-old woman from Ballyphehane are also suspected to have died by suicide in recent days.

The rate of suicides in the city and county is almost twice the national average.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams called on the Taoiseach to initiate a national response.

Mr Martin said: “It needs action. Young people need very positive and real signals from us (poiticians) that we can make a difference.”

Gerry Adams called on the Government to “recognise this as a national emergency and put in place measures to tackle it”.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “No one would disagree with the concept of having a national response (to this issue).”

Plea for action on Cork suicide crisis