Vol. 396 No. 2
27 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Welfare the studies of birth rates, demographic trends and population changes which have been undertaken by his Department as part of their planning process; if he will publish the results of any such studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Demographic statistics and trends form an important input into my Department's planning decisions, especially in relation to the development of pension schemes. However, it is not the policy of my Department to undertake demographic studies directly. In common with other Departments, the Department of Social Welfare rely, for demographic data and analysis, on the Central Statistics Office, which is the body responsible for the provision of demographic statistics. Relevant studies undertaken by the National Economic and Social Council and other bodies are also of use in this regard. It is not my intention that the Department should undertake this work directly in the future, and the question of publication does not, therefore, arise.
