Jim Higgins
Question:13 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach the figures for emigration at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration Figures.
In the absence of comprehensive documentary or other administrative procedures relating to the movement of persons into and out of the State, migration estimates are made annually using current population estimates and data on births and deaths. These migration estimates are for the net balance between inward and outward flows in the 12 month period to mid-April each year. Estimates are not available for periods other than the 12 months to mid-April.
In the year to mid-April 1990 there was an estimated net outward migration of some 31,000 persons.
Would the Minister of State agree that the figures are disappointing, particularly in the context of the so-called national recovery? Would he agree that the constant Government assertions of confidence in the economy must sound very hollow both to the 31,000 people who have emigrated and to their dependants and relatives left at home?
The estimate for net migration for the year to mid-April 1991 will become available next summer based on the preliminary results from the 1991 census of population. The estimates for the years since 1986 will also be subject to agreement at that time. The figure of 31,000 which I gave to the Deputy is a preliminary one and shows a reduction of a little over 30 per cent on the figure for the same period last year.
The recent unemployment figures for November show that unemployment now stands at 222,943, a rise of 4,502 on the previous month. A new factor is now built in, the alleged return of emigrants. Will the Minister say what that number constitutes within the live register figure and the so-called returns for last month? How many people are alleged to have returned? From where? Why did they come back? Does the Minister think it will be an ongoing pattern or trend?
The questions raised by Deputy Higgins should really be tabled to another Minister on another day by way of separate questions. Nevertheless, I should like to remind him that emigration figures are very much down on the previous year. In the current year, figures are expected to fall even further.
May I ask a short supplementary?
Yes.
Will the Minister agree that much of this emigration is involuntary due to the fact that there are not any jobs here? The emigration rate, taken with the unemployment rate, represent a total failure of Government policy to create jobs.
The question before us is essentially statistical and matters of policy, therefore, do not arise. Before proceeding to questions nominated for priority, I wish to remind the House — as I usually do — that only 15 minutes are provided for dealing with them and I need the co-operation of Members to dispose of them.