Pádraic McCormack
Question:2 Mr. McCormack asked the Taoiseach if the census population findings for the Gaeltacht areas of County Galway are yet available; and the way in which those figures compare with the previous census.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Census of Population of Gaeltacht Areas.
The 1991 Census of Population totals for Gaeltacht areas are not yet available. These results will be contained in Volume One of the detailed Census Reports, which the Central Statistics Office plan to publish before the end of 1992.
The population of the Gaeltacht areas in County Galway was 24,388 persons in 1986, compared with 23,660 persons in 1981.
Obviously the population increased slightly during the period 1981-86. I am very sorry that the 1991 figures are not available because I know from my practical knowledge of the Gaeltacht that the population has decreased greatly. May I ask the Minister what the Government intend to do about the serious decrease in the population in the Gaeltacht?
I have to tell the Deputy that his question is essentially statistical and matters of policy ought not, therefore, to arise. The Deputy will have to deal with aspects of policy by way of further questions.
I will be glad to do that.