There were almost 500 more suicides between 2008 and 2012 than there would have been if Ireland had not gone into recession, a new report has claimed.

A new study by the National Suicide Research Foundation has revealed the rate of suicide among men at the end of 2012 was 57 per cent higher than before the recession. The equivalent rate for women was seven per cent higher.

The study found that there were 476 more male suicides than would have been expected if the recession had not happened.

The report estimates over 5,000 incidents of self-harm were also added by the recession.

Data specific to Cork found that one third of men who took their own lives were unemployed - and half of those had worked in the construction industry.

Professor Ella Arensman, one of the report’s authors, said government policy during the recession may have contributed to rise in suicide and self harm

“The government decided during the recession to abandon medical cards, particularly from a large number of people who already were vulnerable or were requiring care.

“So people who require treatment for depression, if they couldn’t pay for their treatment anymore that could certainly have increased risk of self-harm and suicide,” she said.

The study also found that the amount of people who self harmed during the period of 2008-2012 also increased.

Professor Arensman said a study focused on Cork, analysing over 300 deaths in the county, also points to a strong link between unemployment, debt and suicide

“During the recession amongst people who died by suicide, 33% were unemployed, and early half of them had their last job in the construction sector,” Profession Arensman said.

“In addition to the work related factors we also found high levels of alcohol abuse and high levels of depression,” she added.