asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that Ireland has the third highest mortality rate among member states of the EEC (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The statistics which have been compiled by the EEC show that for the year 1978 the mortality rate for Ireland, at 10.0 per 1,000 population, was the fourth lowest rate for the ten member states of the EEC. These statistics also show that for the year 1978 the infant mortality rate for Ireland, at 14.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, was the third highest rate for the member states. There has since been a considerable reduction in the Irish rate. It was 12.4 in 1979. Figures for the other member states are not yet available for that year.

Is the Minister aware that male life expectancy in this country has fallen in the last ten years? Would he consider that this is an adverse commentary on the effectiveness of our health services, particularly in the preventive area?

That is a separate question. We are talking about mortality rates, not male life expectancy.

Would the Minister not accept that there is a close connection between life expectancy and mortality?

I do not have accurate figures with me on male life expectancy. The question on the Order Paper related to mortality.

I can assure the Minister that what I am saying is correct. I am surprised he does not have a view on the matter.

Which two countries have a worse infant mortality rate than Ireland?

In 1977 our figure was 12.4 and had come down considerably from 14.9 in 1978. My understanding is that the figure is even lower now. If we go back to 1978 for the comparison——

The Minister said that we had the third highest rate in Europe. Which two countries have a worse infant mortality rate than we have?

If we take the 14.9 figure with which there is a comparison in 1978, ours is now considerably lower than that. In 1978 the Greek figure was 20.4 and the Italian figure was 16.8.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister not consider that the infant mortality rate is alarming, particularly when he gives the statistics for the countries with which we have the nearest comparable figures? Has he any proposals to improve the situation?

From the figures I have given and from what I understand will be the case from more recent figures, there has been a considerable drop in the infant mortality rate here which is related to the services being provided and the arrangements being made through Comhairle na nOispidéal and otherwise. It is a vastly improving situation.

Has the Minister statistics which break down the sex of the infants who die?

I have not that information here. If the Deputy puts down a question I will answer it.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Could the Minister tell us where we now stand in the league?

In my reply I stated that the last official figures available relate to 1979 and the figure then was 12.4. Figures are not as yet available for the other states.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.