The most recent year for which official statistics on the number of children in care are available is 1992. Statistics in respect of 1996 are being compiled at present and I will forward these to the Deputy when they are available.
I am therefore providing the Deputy with the following statistics for the years 1982 to 1992. These figures do not include children in day care or day fostering, children living with their mothers in sheltered accommodation or women's refuges or children living at home who are being supervised by the health boards.
Number of Children in Care 1982-1992