Paul Connaughton
Question:21 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the reason for the high level of perinatal deaths in this country.
Written Answers. - Perinatal Deaths.
Mary Flaherty
Question:37 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the high level of perinatal deaths in this country.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:95 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the reason for the high level of perinatal deaths in this country.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 21, 37 and 95 together.
The reduction in perinatal mortality during the last 30 years represents a considerable achievement for this country. The rate is now only a quarter of what it was in 1960 and less than half the level for 1975. The most recent finalised figures refer to 1990 and show a perinatal mortality rate for Ireland of 10.2 deaths per 1,000 live and still births.
In comparison with our EU partners, Ireland's perinatal mortality rate is marginally above average. The most recent average figure refers to 1988 and gives a rate of 9.3 deaths per 1,000 live and still births. The interpretation of these comparisons can, however, be quite difficult given differences in the definition of a still birth between countries, and, more importantly, differences in national policies on abortion.
Perinatal mortality rates are affected by a wide range of environmental and biological factors. Birthweight, mother's age, type of antenatal and maternity care as well as many other variables have a bearing on perintal risk. The goal is to sustain the progress we have made over the last three decades in reducing these risks to a minimum.