THE rate of cot deaths in the Republic has increased slightly this year for the first time since 1989. From 1989 to 1993, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) fell by 70 per cent to 0.07 per 1,000 live births, but has not declined since then.
So far this year, the rate has, increased to 0.8, or about ones death a week, reflecting what the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association calls a "worrying trend".
"What's concerning us is that we are not getting the decline which other European countries are experiencing, said Ms Bernadette Kiberd of the ISIDA.
An extensive case control study is being carried out and the results will be presented at an international conference on SIDS in Dublin next March. About 3,000 children die of SIDS in Europe each year.
Tomorrow marks the start of Cot Death Action Fortnight. Meetings will be held in Dublin and Cork on the theme of "Children and Sudden Infant Death", including a workshop for young bereaved children. A national collection will also be held. The ISIDA provides a freephone service on 1 800 391 391.