Ivor Callely
Ceist:76 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach if he has satisfied himself with the procedure for calculating the level of emigration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2208/95]
Written Answers. - Emigration Statistics.
In the absence of administrative controls on the movement of persons into and out of the State the Central Statistics Office makes full use of available alternative information sources when estimating annual migration flows. These include the annual labour force surveys, the country of residence inquiries conducted at sea and air ports, passenger statistics and administrative records such as the register of electors and the child benefit scheme. Traditionally, the main focus has been on producing an annual estimate of "net" migration i.e. the difference between inward and outward gross migration flows.
A check on the accuracy of the net migration figures is provided by comparing the results of successive Censuses of Population with due allowances being made for the effects of births and deaths. This may result in revisions to the preliminary estimates of migration for inter-censal periods.
A new series of gross migration flows was introduced by the Central Statistics Office in May 1994 in a release entitled "Annual Population and Migration Estimates 1987-1993". The corresponding release in 1994 was published in October 1994.
The immigration and emigration figures contained in the new release are broken down by sex, age group and origin/destination. This represents a major advance on the previous situation whereby only one annual figure for net migration was published.
I am satisfied that the procedures utilised by the Central Statistics Office in the estimation of inward and outward migratory movements represents the most cost-effective use of resources.