Life expectancy increases as people smoke and drink less, health minister says

In terms of alcohol use and smoking, the report suggests that per-capita annual consumption has fallen by 12.2% and 50% respectively between 2015 and 2024. File picture 

Irish people are living longer while smoking and drinking less, but demand on our health services has risen significantly, statistics have shown.

Minister for health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill published the details as part of the annual check of the nation’s health in Health in Ireland: Key Trends 2025 which she said showed how the country has made large strides in health outcomes in recent years.