Life expectancy among better off people in Ireland is growing more quickly than among poorer people.
Research from the ESRI shows that while the Celtic Tiger boom led to longer life expectancy for everyone, working class groups did not benefit as much as others.
The research found that death rates for male manual workers were 100% higher in the 1980s compared to professional groups. However, that increased to 140% during the 2000s.
Overall, Irish people are now living 15 years longer than they did in the 1950s - increasing from 66 to 81 years. The research also found that the rate of improvement in life expectancy increased around the start of the new century.
Professor Richard Layte of Trinity College and the ESRI told Newstalk Breakfast this morning that those living in more affluent areas also tend to live longer.
He said: "It reflects general differences in living standards across those groups.
"If you live your life with a more secure job, earning a good salary, that's going to make it easier for you to provide those basic essentials of everyday life to keep you healthy."
