asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to a recent report that in excess of 20,000 young people migrated from this country in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Migration Report.
17.
The report mentioned by the Deputy referred to estimates of emigration in the 15-19 age group in the period between April 1975 and April 1977 which, the Deputy will appreciate, was covered by the last Government's term of office. These estimates were based on a comparison between the estimated population in the relevant age group at those two dates published in the reports of successive EEC labour force sample surveys.
These population estimates are derived from sample surveys and are subject to margins of statistical error. The figures indicate that there was an outflow in the 15-19 and in the 20-24 years age groups but that these were largely offset by net inflows in the under 15 and over 25 year age group. This age distribution of migration is, of course, in accordance with former patterns, including those experienced in the seventies, where even with net immigration, the 15-24 age groups experienced net emigration.
Information for recent years, based on changes in population, will be available when the results of this year's census of population have been processed.
Can the Minister give any indication of the emigration rate of young people since 1977?
The Deputy will be aware that the figures referred to in the question as asked are in the survey of 1975 and the survey of 1977. Obviously what the Deputy is asking about now is the 1979 survey which is not yet available.
The question also refers to emigration in the past three years.
Yes, but it refers specifically to the press statement covering what the Deputy asked.
Could I have the figures for the last two years?
Please allow me to continue without interruption. The question referred to a press report in relation to an emigration figure of 20,000. If the Deputy has read that report he would have found that it is based on information given under two successive sample surveys I have referred to.
Has the Minister no information for the last two years?
I told the Deputy the position. If he had been listening to the reply he would have seen that information for recent years based on changes in population will be available when the results of this year's census have been processed. It is true to say that the census will provide far more detailed information and the reason that detailed accurate information is not available is because no census was taken a few years ago.
Would the Minister not agree that many young people are critical of the Government's failure to inform them that approximately half of the jobs created for young people were created in Cricklewood and Kilburn?
That is a separate question, but I will deal with it if the Deputy puts down a question.
(Interruptions.)