Trevor Sargent
Ceist:1 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if he will comment on the recent joint report by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, and the Central Statistics Office, Ireland North and South. [2136/01]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - North-South Joint Statistical Report.
I welcome the publication of this report and I commend the Northern Ireland Statistical and Research Agency and our own CSO for their initiative in bringing it to fruition. The publication is timely in that it comes when we in both parts of Ireland, North and South, are entering into a new era of co-operation with a focus on development to our mutual benefit. Good quality statistics will play a key role in the process by allowing us to focus in an objective manner on the similarities and differences which exist between our respective populations and economies.
The most notable feature of the data is the degree of similarity exhibited in many of the statistical series presented. For example, both jurisdictions have relatively young populations by international standards, while the recent trends in births, deaths and marriages are remarkably similar. There are differences also: the lower pupil-teacher ratio in the North and the superior economic performance in recent years in the South. We can undoubtedly learn from one another through careful analysis of the reasons underlying these and other differences.
I am pleased to note that both agencies see the report as the first in a series, and I look forward to future editions which I am sure will be valued by users in both the North and the South.
Does he think he could be accused of not seeing the wood for the trees?
Do not mention trees.
There is a considerable amount of information which is extremely worrying in this comparative study. For example, public housing in the South is progressing at a slower rate, there is a greater rate of suicides in the South, and a greater number of traffic related deaths, which will be again discussed in Private Members' time later today. Would the Minister agree, for example, that he should respond to this report with some stated targets for catching up in a number of areas where that is badly needed? Will he respond by giving a date, for example, when there will no longer be 380,000 holders of provisional licences allowed to drive unaccompanied on our roads, something which would not be countenanced in the North? Could he give any details as to when he will respond to the clear challenges presented in this report by giving target dates as to when we will at least be on a level with the North in relation to critical areas where we have been found wanting.
I cannot give dates relating to the matters the Deputy raised. These statistics will be used by the different Government Departments to progress their programmes, North and South. This report is a very good one which I would urge Members to look at. It contains much fascinating information. It shows that in most areas the South is substantially ahead of the North. In one or two areas the South is behind the North. For example, the pupil-teacher ratio is a little lower in the North than in the South, and there are differences in a number of other areas. However, in terms of GDP per head, housing, female participation in the labour force, agriculture, transport, tourism, we are in substantially better shape than the North.
One thing the Deputy mentioned which is certainly worth noting is that between 1990 and 1998 the number of road accident deaths per 100,000 people was consistently lower in Northern Ireland than in the Republic. We are certainly lagging behind in that area, and it is the subject of a debate before the House at the moment. I encourage Members to study this report because there really is a great deal of useful information and some pointers in it.
The Deputy also mentioned housing. The only statistic I can see here on housing is that two fifths of households in the Republic are owned outright by the occupier. The comparative figure in the North is 33%. There is thus a higher rate of home ownership in the Republic than there is in Northern Ireland. The report is littered with such information which has implications for pol icy. The various Departments will follow up on that.
Nobody is disputing that the report is fascinating. I agree that it is very informative and interesting. However, I ask the Minister not to simply pass this on to the Departments for their attention but to give priority to taking steps that can be taken without the need for legislation. There is obviously a need for legislation in relation to penalty points, but in regard to provisional licence holders driving unaccompanied, can he say that action will be taken forthwith to end that practice, given that it has been shown to be an area of difference between North and South which is likely to have led to considerably more road accidents on this part of the island? Can the Minister say that matter will be prioritised, rather than simply passing it to Departments for their attention?
This report is the first of its kind. It throws up many areas that we need to address, and it has been brought to the attention of Departments that have the structure to act on it. It is also a very useful support document for the North-South Ministerial Council and for the North-South framework structures generally, the Implementation Bodies and so on, who find this extremely useful. I will draw to the attention of the relevant Department, in this case the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the example the Deputy gave.
Would it possible to circulate the report to all Members of the Oireachtas? It is a very comprehensive report. It may be envisaged that it be circulated, but that has not yet been done, and it is a very comprehensive and detailed report.
I will arrange for it to be circulated, if that has not yet been done.