Life expectancy above EU average for first time

LIFE expectancy in Ireland is above the EU average for the first time and this country has the second highest fertility rate,according to a government report.

Spending on health has risen from €3.6 billion in 1997 to more than €12.3bn in 2006, an increase of more than 236%.

The largest component of health expenditure continues to be the general hospital programme, which accounts for 45% of all non-capital spending.