asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of British citizens living in the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Citizens.
6.
The specific information requested by the Deputy is not available. However, in the 1979 Labour Force Survey a question of nationality was included. On the basis of the information on nationality received in that sample inquiry, it is estimated that there were 50,000 United Kingdom nationals of all ages usually resident in the State in May 1979.
Is it correct to say that the 1979 Census was compiled by computer? If that is the case surely the programme is sufficiently open to enable a sub-total for UK citizens to be extracted from it. Do I understand from the Minister's reply that he did not get the information or that the CSO were unable to provide it to him?
I have given the information I have. I do not know how the 1979 sample survey was taken but I have given the only information available on the survey.
I respectfully suggest to the Minister that he should have this information and that the supplementary information contained in his brief should indicate whether those data are available or not. From previous discussions when the Taoiseach was in power before, we know that this matter of voting rights for UK citizens arose. We cannot talk about voting rights for such people unless we know the number involved and that information is contained in the Census returns. If the information has not been provided in the Minister's brief it is not his fault, although he is responsible for it, but I suggest to the Minister that the information is available and should be obtained without delay.
The 1979 Labour Force Survey gives the figures on nationality and that is the question I was asked. In the Census for 1971 and 1981 there was a question as to where people were born which is different from the question of nationality or citizenship. The figure for that is 110,000. That number of people said they were born in the UK. The information the Deputy is seeking is not available.
Do I take it that statistical information does not exist for any nationality in the State or does it refer only to the citizens of the UK?
That is a separate question. I believe the information is available for other nationalities but not for those of the UK.
Why?
They have completely free access.
The other information is obtained from the Passport Office.
Will the Minister of State agree that there are 35,000 to 40,000 people directly involved and that this information is available, particularly in relation to the Anglo-Irish Studies?
That is a separate question. I have no information on the Anglo-Irish Studies.
Why not?
Is the Minister of State not concluding that the number of British citizens here could be obtained by a phone call to the British Embassy? To say that that information is not in the possession of the Minister of State is ludicrous.
The information is not available.
That statement is strange when one considers that the matter is the responsibility of the Taoiseach's office and the Minister of State is responsible to the Taoiseach. It is strange also when one considers that the Taoiseach has said so much about the special relationship——
This is a statistical question.
—— between this country and Britain. It is strange that the Taoiseach's office does not have this information.
I am calling the next question.
On a point of order, is it not strange that, in reply to a Parliamentary Question which seeks information from the Taoiseach's office, the Minister of State at that Department tells the House that he does not have that information although it is the responsibility of the Taoiseach?
That is not a matter for the Chair.
Am I not entitled to an answer to that?
(Cavan-Monaghan): He is not on good terms with the people concerned.
Would the Taoiseach like to comment on this matter? It is strange that the Taoiseach should talk about the special relationship between this country and Britain when he does not know the number of British citizens in this State.