Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:2 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach the population changes in the past five years in the Border counties of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo. [5038/99]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Population Levels.
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in a statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report. The data supplied comes from the results of the 1991 and 1996 Censuses of Population. The population of the Border counties – Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, and Sligo – in the 1996 census was 407, 295, compared with 402,987 in 1991, an increase of 4,308 or 1.1 per cent.
Following is the statement:
Population of Counties in Border Region.
|
County |
1991 |
1996 |
Population change |
Percentage change |
|
Cavan |
52,796 |
52,944 |
148 |
0.3 |
|
Donegal |
128,117 |
129,994 |
1,877 |
1.5 |
|
Leitrim |
25,301 |
25,057 |
244 |
1.0 |
|
Louth |
90,724 |
92,166 |
1,442 |
1.6 |
|
Monaghan |
51,293 |
51,313 |
20 |
0.0 |
|
Sligo |
54,756 |
55,821 |
1,065 |
1.9 |
|
Border Region |
402,987 |
407,295 |
4,308 |
1.1 |
Source: Census of Population, 1991 and 1996.
Will the Minister of State acknowledge the need identified in the 1997 NESC report for special Government development measures over and above those already in place—
These are purely statistical questions. The Minster of State is not responsible for policy.
I appreciate that point, a Cheann Comhairle—
It is not in order to develop a case or ask questions relating to policy.
I am trying to establish whether the information is given in a collective manner in terms of the Minister of State's response which does not highlight the reality that some of the counties listed have recorded a population decline. This must underscore an imperative for the Government to facilitate immediate inward investment to address the continuing problem.
Inward investment is not a matter for the Minister of State. These are purely statistical questions. Questions relating to policy and other aspects are not appropriate.
Given your ruling, a Cheann Comhairle, I will pursue the matter directly with the Minister of State in line with the general thrust of what I have said.
Jim Higgins
Question:3 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Taoiseach the number of people who emigrated from, and immigrated to, the country in 1997 and 1998; the countries from which the immigrants came; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5247/99]
An estimated 21,200 persons emigrated from the State in the 12 months to mid-April 1998 compared with 29,000 for the previous 12-month period to April 1997. The number of immigrants was 44,000 in each of the corre sponding periods. The further breakdown requested by the Deputy is contained in a state ment which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Estimated Migration Flows by Country of Destination-Origin, 1997 and 1998.
|
Year ending April |
UK |
Rest of EU |
USA |
Rest of World |
Total |
|
Emigrants |
|||||
|
1997 |
12.9 |
4.1 |
4.1 |
7.9 |
29.0 |
|
1998 |
8.5 |
4.3 |
4.3 |
4.1 |
21.2 |
|
Immigrants |
|||||
|
1997 |
20.0 |
8.1 |
6.6 |
9.3 |
44.0 |
|
1998 |
21.1 |
8.7 |
4.9 |
9.3 |
44.0 |
|
Net Migration (Immigrants less Emigrants) |
|||||
|
1997 |
7.1 |
4.0 |
2.5 |
1.4 |
15.0 |
|
1998 |
12.6 |
4.4 |
0.6 |
5.2 |
22.8 |
Source: Population and Migration Estimates.
(Mayo): The Minister of State's reply is very positive in that it highlights the fact that the number of emigrants is down by 7,800 on the previous 12 months. It also highlights the reverse of the situation in previous generations when there was a mass exodus from the country. This has led to a situation in which more people are coming into the country than are leaving – a net inflow of 22,800. Does the Minister of State have on file the origin of these people? How many came from the United Kingdom, other European Union countries, the USA and the rest of the world? How many people could be categorised as refugees?
The formula used for estimating the total inflow of immigrants in 1998 was complicated. The information derives from the quarterly national survey, airline inquiries, passenger inquiries, country of residence inquiries, child benefit schemes, the number of visas granted, etc. The estimate is an amalgam of that information. The number of immigrants was 44,000 in 1998, of whom 21,000 came from the United Kingdom, 8,700 from the rest of the EU, 4,900 from the United States of America and 9,300 from the rest of the world. I do not have a categorisation for people who claimed asylum. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform would have those figures.
(Mayo): Does the Minister of State know how many of the 44,000 were Irish people returning home after spending time abroad for economic or other reasons?
That is a good question. I do not have a breakdown of the number of returned emigrants, but I will find out if it is available. Such a figure is not on my file and it was not part of the question tabled by the Deputy. This aspect was not covered when the estimates of the inflow were being compiled. However, it is an interesting question and I am sure the figure is available. If so, I will put it before the House at some stage.