“This is so that we may have any census around the issue and establish what can be done to assist people,” she says. “The aim is to have people sign the petition, anonymously if they prefer, or if they don't use the internet to write to me at Sinéad O'Connor, Bray, County Wicklow marking the envelope with an 'X'.

“The intention is to hand the list of numbers eventually to the Minister of Health and see what can be done to draw people's attention to the various suicide prevention centres around the country, which are a free service, and to garner funding and publicity for these organisations. This is a matter of extreme importance.”

"Only those being treated are currently registered," Sinéad told Hot Press, "and the majority of sufferers are registered nowhere. That's why we need a head count. People can sign or write anonymously if they prefer."

Find out more at [link]http:/www.ipetitions.com/petition/how-many-people-in-ireland-are-feeling-suicidal[/link].