Mortality and Longevity in Ireland, Shane Whelan

Mortality and Longevity in Ireland, Shane Whelan

Dublin University Press, 2022, in association with the Society of Actuaries in Ireland

We are delighted to hold a CPD event in the Davenport Hotel on Tuesday, 13th September, launching Shane Whelan's book Mortality and Longevity in Ireland.

The evening will begin at 5.30 pm with tea and coffee. Shane will then take us through some of the highlights of the research in his book, Mortality and Longevity in Ireland, recently published by Dublin University Press with the support of the Society. The talk will be an informal overview, focussing on some important issues that actuaries might find interesting. Those interested in the detail are directed to the different chapters.

Shane will point out the key parameter on which official mortality forecasts rely, highlighting the issues estimating it. A simple two-parameter model that well described late-life mortality will be outlined. He will mention stochastic approaches and show how to build scenarios under a deterministic model, with associated probability levels. He will discuss the wisdom, or not, of relying on longevity forecasts to change the State retirement age. Putting a value on human life, he will review how actuaries estimate lump sum compensation for future loss.  Finishing on a much needed action, he highlights that compensation for negligence in the delivery of maternity services in Ireland is now higher than its day-to-day running costs and persistent recommendations for reform remain unimplemented.