asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the long-continued fall in the population of the Free State, which began prior to 1851, was arrested in the year 1930; that an upward trend in population was established from that year; that this upward trend has been interfered with by some forces operating after the year 1932; that, as a result, a definite trend downward in the population subsequent to 1932 has been brought about; that the economic and social well-being of the Free State is thereby seriously prejudiced, and if he will state whether he will set up an inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, with a view to examining the trend of population in the Irish Free State from 1926 to 1936; inquiring into the causes which have brought about the recent decline in the population, and reporting on these causes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Saorstát Population.
The Minister is aware that the downward trend in population which began prior to 1851 ceased in 1930. He is also aware that the cause was the virtual closure of the ports of the United States to immigrants.
The upward trend established in that year did not come to an end in 1932. Large increases were shown in 1933 and 1934 and no decrease was shown until the present year.
With regard to the last part of the question, the answer is in the negative.
Is the Minister aware that in the year ended June, 1932, there was an increase of 16,000 in the population of this country; that that increase has decreased every year since, and that, in the middle of 1934, the population of this country began to fall; and will the Minister say if he has made any inquiries into the matter?
It is not correct to say that in 1934 the population began to fall. I have made inquiries into the matter and I am satisfied that there was no decrease in population up to 1934.
Well, is the Minister aware that between 1934 and 1935 the population of this country began to fall?
No.
And is he aware that the population has been falling since?
No, that is not correct.
Does the Minister read his own figures?
I do.
Well, if the Minister is obscure with regard to that, is he aware that in the year ended June, 1932, the net migration with regard to this country was an inwards migration of 3,000; that every year since then the migration has been outwards, and that in the year ended June, 1936, the net migration outwards was 23,000 persons, and has he made any inquiries into this matter with a view to ascertaining the causes?
I have answered the Deputy already, and I am satisfied, from inquiries I have made from competent authorities, that there was no decrease in the years mentioned by the Deputy.
Will the Minister say if, from 1935, the population of this country is declining?
The population has not decreased in the years to which the Deputy referred in his question.
Will the Minister say if there is any truth in the statement made by the Government Press to the effect that, in every year since the Fianna Fáil Government took office, the number of people in the Free State has steadily risen?
Cúis gáire dúinn!