This is the sixth edition of this easy-to-use reference guide to significant trends in health and health care over the past decade, including population and health status, as well as trends in service provision. This year, new tables, maps and graphs have been included on some specific topics or where new data has been made available. Each section has a brief introduction summarising key statistics.

Overall, the picture which emerges is of continuing progress, but at a reduced rate, set in a context of very significant financial constraints. Rapid ageing of the population in conjunction with lifestyle-related health threats present major challenges now and for the future in sustaining and further improving health and health services in Ireland.

Key trends include:
• Both alcohol and cigarette consumption have declined over the past decade. The official figures do not include purchases made outside the State or illegal imports into the State which may exaggerate the decline. Alcohol consumption has remained stable since 2010, while cigarette consumption has declined between 2011 and 2012. (Figure 2.10)
• A higher proportion of adults in younger age groups reported risky single-occasion drinking at least once per month than those in older age groups. (Figure 2.11)
• The prevalence of drug use in the last month was higher among men than women, and higher in younger age groups than older age groups. (Figure 2.12)
• Cigarette and alcohol use in the past 30 days among 15-16 year olds was lower in Ireland than the average of other survey countries. However heavy episodic drinking was slightly higher and cannabis use the same as the average of other survey countries. (Figure 2.13)
• Trends from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (10-17 year olds) survey showed a constant decline in those reporting being a current smoker between 1998 and 2010. In 2010, 12% reported being a current smoker. (Figure 2.14)