asked the Minister for Health if he will state (1) the number of sudden deaths which have occurred in the Republic of Ireland during the year ended the 30th April, 1953; (2) the certified causes of such deaths and (3) whether in all the circumstances the number is abnormal having regard to past years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statistics of Sudden Deaths.
No comprehensive statistics are available showing the number of sudden deaths or deaths without warning. Normally deaths are certified by cause but while certain ailments may result in sudden death they do not necessarily do so. Consequently deaths shown as occurring from such causes may not in all cases be sudden deaths.
In the case of uncertified deaths which are sudden or due to violence or accidental causes, the deaths are referred to coroners and certified under coroners' certificates. Such deaths are, of course, only a fraction of the total number of sudden deaths. I can let the Deputy have the numbers of such deaths involved up to and including the year 1950 if he so desires.