Jim Higgins
Question:15 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the number of people who emigrated in 1991 and the countries in which they have settled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Migration Estimates.
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. In the 12 month period to April 1991 it is estimated that outward migration exceeded inward migration by 1,000 persons.
Information in respect of the destination of emigrants is not available.
May I ask the Minister of State for a clear indication of the actual number of people who emigrated? In the past we have been given figures such as 20,000, 30,000 etc. The Minister of State has said that one exceeded the other by 1,000. If the figures are based on outflows, we should at least know where they have flown to. Will the Minister of State agree, given that we keep asserting that our young people are our greatest resource, that we should at least have some kind of tracking system, if only from the social perspective, so that we know where they have flown to and where they are at present?
I take the Deputy's point in relation to a tracking system but I am not sure if it would be administratively possible to do this given the number who flew out when the Deputy was in Government. The figures since 1987 are: 27,000 in 1986-87; 32,000 in 1987-88; 46,000 in 1988-89; 31,000 in 1989-90 and 1,000 last year.
How will it be possible for the Minister for Labour to open FÁS offices in different parts of the world if he does not know where the people have gone?
That question should be directed to the Minister for Labour. The Minister was talking about locating jobs and making that information available here to those who are seeking jobs.