Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
630. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the reason Ireland’s rate of Covid-19 deaths per 100,000 is far higher relative to the incidence rate per 100,000 than other EU/EEA states with the lowest incidence rates. [43501/20]
View answerAs of 09th December, based on ECDC data, Ireland’s Incidence of total deaths is at 42.8 deaths per 100,000. This is lower than 17 other countries in the Eu 27 & UK, See table 1 attached.
Looking at more recent deaths; as of 10th December, Ireland’s incidence at 1.4 deaths notified to the ECDC in the last 14 days per 100,000 is lower than all but 1 other countries in the EU 27 & UK. See Table 2 attached.
In spring 2020 Ireland experienced a first wave of deaths associated with COVID-19. Substantial mortality associated with COVID-19 was also observed in other countries across the EU/UK.
In comparing Ireland with other countries, it should be noted however, that individual jurisdictions employ differing methodologies for the reporting of COVID-19 deaths. From the outset Ireland reported deaths that occurred in both hospital and the community as well as associated with both probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Ireland has sought to follow international guidance and advice from organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) in relation to counting deaths. This was not the case in some other countries, particularly earlier in the pandemic.
