Joe Walsh
Ceist:56 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Taoiseach the percentage of the population over 60 years of age; and the projected percentage increase over the next three years. [24643/96]
Written Answers. - Population Statistics.
There was an estimated 550,000 persons aged 60 years of age and over in mid-April 1996. This represented 15.2 per cent of the overall population. The percentage share of this age group was identical over the previous five years.
Assuming no major changes in the mortality and migration patterns of persons aged 60 years and over in the next three years, the absolute numbers are likely to grow to about 560,000 representing an average annual increase of 0.6 per cent. Depending on fertility, mortality and migration patterns for the population at large over this period, the percentage share of the population aged 60 years and over could vary between 15 and 16 per cent.