06/05/2009

Ireland Among Worst In Europe For Child Deaths

A European report has revealed Ireland has one of the worst levels of child and teen deaths in Europe.

Out of the 24 countries whose child safety rates were graded, Ireland has the fifth highest death rate from injury in girls, and is eighth worst for deaths in boys under 18.

Ireland was also third in deaths from unintentional injury, with 104 deaths per 100,000, finishing under the UK and the Netherlands.

Road traffic accidents account for the greatest number of young fatalities in the country, according to the report by EuroSafe.

The report also found children under the age of four had the highest rate of hospitalisation as a result of accidental burns.

Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said: "The European Union and European countries must ensure all children’s right to safety. This could be achieved by developing and resourcing implementation of national child safety action plans. The results of these report card assessments are aimed at ultimately raising the level of all children's health."

The report also controversially claimed more children and adolescents are injured when families are of lower income, have less education and are less literate.

(DW/BMcC)

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