The birth rate in Ireland is declining while the average age of women giving birth is increasing, according to latest statistics.

However, according to the perinatal statistics report for 2012, released by the ESRI, Ireland still has the highest birth rate among EU countries.

According to the report, 71,986 births were recorded in 2012 compared to 74,377 in 2011. Birth numbers have dropped by 5.3% since 2009.

Ireland's birth rate , at 15.6 per 1,000 population, is considerably above the EU average of 10.4 per 1,000, the report notes. We also have the highest fertility rate among EU countries.

The average age of women giving birth was 31.9 years in 2012, compared to 31.7 years in 2011, and 30.6 in 2003.

Nearly one out of three women giving birth are 35 years or older. The average age of first-time mothers is 30.

The rate of perinatal mortality (infant deaths just before or just after birth) is continuing to decline steadily, according to the statistics.

The 2012 rate was 5.9 per 1,000 live births and stillbirths compared to 6.1 in 2011 and 8.6 in 2003. The perinatal death rate has dropped by 31% in the past 10 years.

The rate of stillbirths has dropped by 33% over the past decade, according to the report.

The rate of twin births increased from 14.3 per 1,000 maternities in 2003 to 17.2 in 2012.

One-in-three births in 2012 were to single mothers, compared to 30% 10 years ago. Almost one-quarter of births in 2012 were to mothers born outside Ireland, compared to just 18% in 2004.

The exclusive breastfeeding rate among new mothers was 47% in 2012, compared to 41% in 2003.