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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration Statistics.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

8 Mr. Farrelly asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of people who emigrated from County Meath in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

11 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of people who emigrated from County Leitrim in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 11 together.

In the five year period 1986 to 1991 there was an estimated net outward migration of approximately 1,600 persons from County Leitrim and 3,100 from County Meath. These figures are derived as a residual by subtracting the natural increases in the population of the relevant counties, that is, the number of births less the number of deaths, from the corresponding changes in population as measured by the 1986 and 1991 Census of Population. It is not possible to disaggregate these figures by year.

I wish to emphasise that the figures quoted represent the net effect of all movements into and out of the counties of Leitrim and Meath, not only to or from abroad but also to or from other parts of the State. They therefore correspond to the net of two gross flows — outward and inward.

What is the percentage difference — increase or decrease — in the number who have emigrated from County Meath from the first year mentioned by the Minister of State?

As a percentage of what?

What exact number of the figures given, 3,100, relates to each of the years? Surely we should have an idea of the annual number.

As I said, it is not possible to disaggregate these figures on a yearly basis. It is not possible to do that between two censuses.

How many births were there in County Leitrim in the three years mentioned, in that the figure is obtained by taking the number of deaths from the number of births?

As I have said, it is not possible to disaggregate the figures for individual years, but——

Surely there is a difference between deaths and births?

——if it is helpful to the Deputy I can provide the following figures: the population of County Leitrim in 1986 was 14,205 males and 12,830 females, a total of 27,035 persons. The figures in 1991 were 13,190 males and 12,107 females, a total of 25,297 persons. The change in population, therefore, showed 1,015 fewer males and 723 fewer females, a total of 1,738 fewer persons. The number of births in the period referred to was 935 males and 909 females, a total of 1,844. Deaths amounted to 1,175 males and 813 females, a total of 1,988 persons. The natural increase, taking births from deaths, showed a fall of 144. Taken with other figures provided, net migration is calculated at 1,594.

Question No. 9 postponed.

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