Frequently Asked Questions

What are excess deaths?

Excess deaths are the number of fatalities in a given period that surpass the average of the previous five years. Or in our case, the average over the pre-pandemic years from 2015 to 2019.

How are excess deaths calculated?

They represent the difference between the observed and expected number of deaths in a specific timeframe. Our specific timeframe is the period from 2015 to 2019 i.e. the pre-pandemic years.

What has been the trend in excess deaths in Ireland in recent years?

According to data, there has been a significant rise in excess deaths since 2021, with increases of 14.8% in 2021, 18.1% in 2022, 18.7% in 2023 and 15.9% in 2024.

How many excess death notices have been recorded from 2020 to 2024?

There have been close to 18,000 excess RIP.ie death notices from 2021 to 2024.

How has the government responded to the rise in excess deaths?

Several Dail Eireann Parliamentary Questions have been raised, but the responses, especially from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, have often been vague. The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, recently dismissed the need for a public debate on the issue.

Why is there a reluctance to publicly debate or investigate the rise in excess deaths?

The exact reasons are not clear, but the government’s response has been described as “lukewarm.”
What could be the underlying causes of these premature deaths?

The exact causes remain shrouded in mystery, but it’s a pressing question that many are asking.

How can further excess deaths be prevented in Ireland?

This is a matter of concern, and it’s crucial for the government and health officials to investigate and take necessary actions.

If the pandemic is over, what could be driving the increase in mortality?

The reasons are not explicitly mentioned, but it’s a significant question given the data.

What actions are being taken to safeguard the health of the Irish population?

The article emphasizes the need for transparency, thorough investigations, and necessary actions by the government and health officials.