The National Taxi Drivers Union believes that the country could benefit from such a scheme which was recently introduced in Northern Ireland.

Taxi drivers are often the first to come upon those contemplating taking their own lives and union bosses believe that they could play a major role in encouraging people to get help.

Currently the union is involved in an initiative with the Samaritans which will see a 24-hour helpline number displayed in taxis around the country.

"They will be displayed with prominence on cars.  There are going out to all members and they can be picked up at our offices at Islandbridge.  We hope they will make people more aware of the help available," said Tommy Gorman, a spokesperson for the NTDU.

Mr. Gorman believes that more should be done to train drivers on how to deal with suicidal people they come across during their work.

"anything that we could do to spare lives, particularly through the hardship of suicide, we would be willing to participate in.

We would urge the Government to consider implementing an initiative like this.  We see almost everything that happens out there," he added.

INTERVENE

The call follows the setting up of a scheme, Taxi Watch, in Co. Derry for taxis after a number of drivers were forced to intervene to stop people from taking their own life.

The scheme involves drivers being trained in counselling skills to help identify people at risk at attempting suicide and, where possible, talk them out of it.

Drivers in the area have also been provided with rescue kits that can be stored easily in the taxis and used if the driver comes across an incident.

The kits contain first aid equipment, as well as a 'throw line' to help pull someone in water to safety.

Mr. Gorman said the union would also welcome rescue kits, similar to those being deployed in Derry.

"There are 17,000 taxi drivers in Ireland even if only 10pc had this training, it would make a big difference," he said.