Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Why does this differential exist? I presume part of the reason is our genetic mix resulting from being on an island. We have a higher incidence of certain rare diseases for the same reason. What steps are being taken to deal with the prematurity rate?

The statistics on perinatal mortality rates are positive for every category of children except those over 4,500g. Why does the mortality rate increase by one fifth among children in that category? I note the cohort is relatively small but 20% is a significant jump over a ten year period.