asked the Minister for Health the reasons, if any, for the fall in male life expectancy in Ireland over the past ten years and if this is indicative of a need to re-allocate Government investment in health.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Male Life Expectancy.
14.
The most up-to-date life expectancy information relates to the period 1970 to 1972. This shows that, while there was an increase in male life expectancy at birth and at ages over 72 years, there was a decrease at other ages during the previous ten years. The main reason for this decrease was an increase in mortality among middle-aged and older men. Heart disease was the principal cause. Cancer was also a contributing cause, together with an increase in deaths from accidents.
The impact of these conditions in causing premature death and illness has been recognised and present health policy is aimed towards their alleviation.
I do not think that the available information about life expectancy indicates any need to change this policy.