Data on births are published in the annual and quarterly reports on vital statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office. The most recent figures available refer to the first quarter of 2000. The number of births in Ireland to mothers aged under 23 years is set out in the following table for 1980 to 2000. Data by health board, county and marital status of mother are being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy in the near future. Further information on family and socio-economic circumstances is not routinely available.
The ESRI has responsibility for the perinatal reporting system which collects additional data on occupation and maternal characteristics. It is at present analysing data for the period 1994 to 1999.
Number of Births to Mothers Aged Under 23 Years, 1980 to 2000