Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Births Outside Marriage.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

9 Mr. O'Dea asked the Taoiseach the number of births registered to unmarried mothers under the age of 17 years and over the age of 17 years in each of the years from 1992 to 1995. [10521/96]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. J. Higgins)

The number of births outside marriage registered to mothers under the age of 17 years and 17 years and over for the years 1992 to 1995 is as follows:

Year	Under 17	17 and Over
1992	229	8,926
1993	231	9,444
1994	242	9,557
1995	259	10,507

Mr. O'Dea

Is the Minister of State concerned about the increasing number of births to unmarried mothers? Has the Government social or economic policies to discourage women from having children out of wedlock?

An Ceann Comhairle

This question is purely statistical.

Miss Harney

Have we the statistics on unmarried fathers?

An Ceann Comhairle

We may not enter into the area of policy.