asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if his attention has been drawn to the annual Welfare Report of the Irish Centre in London which indicates a substantial increase in the rate of emigration from this country to Britain especially of young people under the age of 18 and if the Government proposes to take any action on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration Rate.
9.
The 1978 Annual Welfare Report of the Irish Centre in London does not claim that there has been an increase in emigration from Ireland in recent years in the age group mentioned by the Deputy. In fact the statistics in the report record a decrease in the total numbers which attended the centre's welfare department and hostels during 1978 compared with 1977. The report does, however, point out that 6.9 per cent of the applicants in 1978 were under 18 years of age compared with 5 per cent in 1977.
These statistics could not be taken as an indication of the trend in emigration by age group from this country. The only reliable estimates of migration flows are those compiled for intercensal periods by relating successive population figures to data for births and deaths in the same period. In the absence of a census of population in 1976 recent trends in migration cannot be confirmed until the results of the census taken on 1 April 1979 become available.
The Government are, of course, concerned that adequate youth employment opportunities are made available and employment policies have given priority to this objective.