Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Health the life expectancy for Irish persons, Irish men, and Irish women in 1997; the life expectancy of each at the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33851/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In 2010, the life expectancy at birth for men in Ireland was 78.7 years, and for women was 83.2 years. The corresponding figures for 1997 are 73.4 years for men and 78.7 years for women. This represents an increase of 5.3 years for men and 4.5 years for women. For the period 1997 to 2008 (the latest year comparable data is available) Ireland has gone from a position of nearly 1 year below average EU life expectancy to almost 1 year above during which time average EU life expectancy has also been increasing.

The most marked improvements in life expectancy in Ireland have occurred at ages 65 and over. In 2010, those aged 65 could expect to live almost 4 years longer than those aged 65 in 1997. This represents a significant change from earlier decades where gains in overall life expectancy were principally achieved through reduction in deaths from infectious diseases and in infant mortality. The recent improvements have resulted from improved health into older age and improved survival from conditions affecting older age groups such as heart disease and cancer. Advances in health care have contributed significantly to this achievement.