asked the Minister for Health the percentage rate of infant mortality in this country; and how this compares with other EEC countries, and world standards, where the figures are available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infant Mortality.
4.
As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report. Following is the statement:
Infant Mortality Rate (Deaths of Liveborn Infants in the First Year of Life per 1,000 Live Births) for a number of Selected Countries
|
Country |
Infant Mortality Rate |
Year to which Figures relate |
|
EEC Countries |
||
|
Belgium |
16.2 |
1975 |
|
Denmark |
10.3 |
1976 |
|
France |
14.7 |
1974 |
|
Germany |
19.7 |
1975 |
|
Ireland |
15.7 |
1977 |
|
Italy |
20.9 |
1975 |
|
Luxembourg |
14.8 |
1975 |
|
Netherlands |
10.6 |
1975 |
|
England and Wales |
14.2 |
1976 |
|
Scotland |
14.8 |
1976 |
|
Northern Ireland |
20.4 |
1975 |
|
Some other Countries |
||
|
Austria |
18.2 |
1976 |
|
Sweden |
8.3 |
1976 |
|
Spain |
18.7 |
1975 |
|
Australia |
14.3 |
1975 |
|
Japan |
9.3 |
1976 |
|
India |
61.0 |
1970 |
|
U.S.A. |
16.1 |
1975 |
|
Canada |
15.0 |
1974 |
|
U.S.S.R. |
27.7 |
1974 |
|
Average for Western Europe |
18.8 |
Early 1970's |
|
World average |
80—90 |
Early 1970's |
Sources Irish Figures: Report on Births, Deaths and Marriages for December Quarter, 1977 compiled by the Central Statistics Office.
Figures from other countries: World Health Statistics Annual, 1978—Vol. 1. Produced by the World Health Organisation.
European and World Averages: World Health Statistics Report Vol. 29 No. 11, 1976 Produced by the World Health Organisation.
My original question sought information in relation to the Republic of Ireland. For some reason or other the question now states "in this country".
My question says "in the Republic of Ireland".
Is the information which is given for this country or for the Republic of Ireland?
I can give separate figures for both. The figure for the Republic of Ireland is 15.7 per thousand and for Northern Ireland it is 20.4 per thousand.
The reply to the latter part of Deputy Harte's question should not have to be circulated with the tabular reply. It asks how the Irish rate compares.
It is all given in the reply.
The Chair accepts that when it is a tabular reply we do not normally question it. The Deputy can have a look at the reply.