asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who died directly or indirectly from malnutrition in 1967.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deaths from Malnutrition.
57.
A detailed breakdown of the 1967 mortality statistics will not be available for about a month. I propose, therefore, to supply 1966 figures in answer to the Deputy's question.
Mortality statistics in this country, as in other countries, are recorded in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organisation. This classification records malnutrition under the heading "Other Avitaminoses and Nutritional Deficiency States". There were 16 deaths under this heading in 1966 in this country.
Deaths from malnutrition in infants under 1 year of age—again in accordance with the International Classification—are included under the heading "Nutritional Maladjustment". The number of such deaths was four in 1966.
Did the Department carry out any investigation into the circumstances of these people?
It arises from so many causes.
It is not necessarily malnutrition?
Not necessarily, no.
None of them could be identified as malnutrition, just other causes?
There are none here that would be merely malnutrition. Some were recluses, old people who do not eat enough, and some were alcoholics.
In view of the fact that there is such a small number, would the Minister not think it worth while to have an investigation into the cases in which malnutrition seems to have been a cause of death?
Yes.