asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether a method, by which yearly net emigration figures for this country can be determined, has yet been devised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration Statistics.
asked the Taoiseach if he will now make arrangements for the keeping of records each month of the number of emigrants leaving this country for (1) Great Britain, (2) Canada, (3) Australia and (4) United States of America in view of the importance of having correct figures of emigration available for the Republic.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
A satisfactory method by which annual net emigration figures could at present be determined has not so far been devised, despite the most careful consideration. The investigation of the matter is, however, still being pursued.
Adequate particulars are recorded in respect of persons who emigrate by sea, through either Irish or British ports, to Canada, Australia and the United States of America. In addition, information is available as to the numbers of new passports issued to persons who state they are going to employment or permanent residence in these countries. As I have explained in replies to previous questions, the keeping of records of those who emigrate to Britain would involve thesetting up of elaborate controls which would be expensive and would interfere with normal passenger traffic.
Surely it would not be considered dictatorial or out of place if people who intended to go to Britain or to any other country were compelled to register at some Government office in their respective towns or cities for the purpose of compiling adequate emigration figures?
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if it is a fact that the Government has certain information at its disposal concerning these emigration figures and that the figures are so alarming the Government refuses to let them out to the general public and their representatives in this House?
That is not so.
It is so. The Parliamentary Secretary knows it is true. He has the figures.
That entire matter has been considered before and I think the Deputy should realise that it would be undesirable to do anything like that.
The Deputy might as well chance that one anyway.
I trust the Taoiseach and the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate the desirability of having these figures available.
That is understood.
I assume efforts are still being made to devise a system.
That is so.
And the system will be devised when there is no one left to emigrate.