Number of births hit 23-year high in 2006
30/06/2009 - 11:49:23The number of babies being born in Ireland reached a 23-year high in 2006, according to the latest figures published by the CSO.
Almost 65,500 babies were born in Ireland during the year, a rise of 4,000 on the previous year.
Nearly one-third of all births were outside marriage.
Just over 22,000 marriages were registered in 2006, almost one-quarter of which were civil unions.
The average age of grooms was 33, while the average bride was aged 31.
Elsewhere, the CSO says just under 28,500 deaths were recorded in 2006.
