Firearm-Assisted Suicide: Legislative, Policing and Clinical Concerns

In 2004, the Irish High Court ruled police policy restricting access to firearms was without legislative backing. Since then the police began to issue certificates for firearms where the applicant is not disentitled under law from possessing a gun. Set against this backdrop, this paper explores the consequences of liberal gun regimes in the context of access to firearms by those suffering from mental illness & who pose a threat of parasuicide or suicide. Consideration is given to experiences in other jurisdictions & international research on firearm suicide prevention. Recommendations for changes in legislation, policy, & protocol in the Irish context are presented. (25 refs,)