Press Releases

Clarification (19 December) Following the launch of the report referred to in the press release below it is clear that there has been some confusion about how the headline figures in the press release have been presented. This was a multi level study including national data and data from a non-representative sample of older people. IPH want to make it quite clear that the figures quoted in the press release of 24% describing their homes as too cold and 51% going without food or clothing to heat their homes are figures that relate to a sample of 722 older people who were selected through their contact with older peoples services such as Age Action, Energy Action and rural transport schemes and health and social housing service providers. As such the findings of this aspect of the report represent the lived experience of these groups of older people but they can not be considered representative of the total older population.

The Department of Health and Children (DoHC) today (21st April) released the latest update of its Public Health Information System (PHIS) health data tables which include extensive information on births, deaths, cancer incidence, hospital admissions, and psychiatric in-patient activity.

It is estimated that about 60% of adults and about 20% of children and teens in the Republic of Ireland are either overweight or obese. These percentages are expected to rise. To help tackle the obesity epidemic; policy makers, practitioners and the community should be able to access all the relevant information they need in a timely manner. Today, a new obesity information website called the Obesity Hub (http://obesity.thehealthwell.info) was launched in Cork.

The number of people in the Republic of Ireland living with serious breathing difficulties (chronic airflow obstruction) is expected to rise by 40% by 2020, according to new research by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).