Jim Higgins
Question:7 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach the number of people who emigrated from this State in the 12 month period up to 31 December 1992; the number who immigrated to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Migration Statistics.
The most recently published migration figures relate to the 12-month period to mid-April 1992, during which it is estimated that inward migration exceeded outward migration by 2,000 persons.
Apart from the 100 people the Taoiseach met in Boston, are there any figures available relating to outward migration and to what countries people have emigrated? In regard to the inward migration figure, which now exceeds outward migration, will the Minister say from what countries they came?
That is a very detailed question. The question the Deputy tabled was a statistical one and it is not possible to give him either of those figures except for periods between censuses of population. The figures I have given are estimates based on differences between births and deaths, the natural increase in the population. They are based also on the electoral roll. The figures are extracted from a number of sources, but it is not possible to be absolutely accurate and therefore, we would not be able to give the Deputy the information he requires.