Michael P. Kitt
Question:1 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of Irish emigrants who have returned to live here in the last five years. [4854/96]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers - Immigration Statistics.
In the five year period to April 1995 it is estimated that approximately 89,000 Irish born persons returned to reside in Ireland.
I have seen reports which indicate that the number of emigrants who have returned in the past three years is over 100,000. I am aware that this question is essentially statistical, but is there any particular Department which helps emigrants who wish to return here to live, work and set up in business?
As this question is essentially statistical, matters of policy ought not arise. The Deputy merely asked the estimated number of emigrants who have returned to live here in the last five years.
I appreciate that, but does the Government have a policy on emigration issues?
I cannot entertain matters of policy now.
In Northern Ireland grants of up to £75,000 may be paid to emigrants who wish to return to set up in business.
Matters appertaining to policy require another question.
Does the CSO maintain a record of the number of emigrants and their descendants worldwide?
The CSO does not, unfortunately, maintain a record of the number of emigrants worldwide, their destinations and so on, it maintains an up-to-date register of inward and outward migration figures. The gross inflow in the five year period to April 1995 was 174,000. An analysis of the labour force survey indicates that approximately 51 per cent or approximately 89,000 of these were born in Ireland.