asked the Taoiseach the reason for the delay in publishing up-to-date vital statistics; and if he will give statistics in relation to the age of mothers in cases of illegitimate births in recent years.

Up-to-date vital statistics are published quarterly. The quarterly report for the June quarter of 1981 was issued in January last.

Each quarterly report contains details of the total number of illegitimate births though not by age of mother. The numbers of illegitimate births classified by age of mother are shown by year of occurrence in annual reports on vital statistics. A special analysis of the data based on year of registration has, however, been carried out for 1978, 1979 and 1980 and I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving these figures.

Following is the statement:

Is the Taoiseach aware that organisations or individuals wanting as up-to-date statistics as possible are not able to get them easily by telephoning the Department? I am interested to hear that these statistics are available in relation to the the age of mothers in cases of illegitimate births. The last published figures were for 1977. Did the Minister say that he has up-to-date figures in relation to the age of mothers in cases of illegitimate births?

I said that a special analysis of the data based on the year of registration had been carried out for 1978, 1979 and 1980.

Are these published and available?

No. They will be in the Official Report. They are not available normally but in reply to the Deputy's question they will be published in the Official Report.

Is the Taoiseach aware that there is great concern about this? I am asking this question because of requests made to me by agencies who are trying to help these young mothers. It is of great importance for this House to know that there is a dramatic decrease in the age of young mothers since the published report of 1977 in which there were 1,023 mothers under the age of 21 and 90 of them were under the age of 16. I am anxious that the statistics should be more up-to-date and more easily available.

That is noted. Also, the Statistics Office have informed me that discussions are taking place to bring these statistics more up-to-date and that the 1978 figures will be available soon. As well as that they are having discussions which are not yet completed to bring the other years up-to-date as soon as possible.

Are the statistics referred to, which the Minister said are being prepared for publication, presently available to the Government?

No, they are still working on them.

The question is concerned with the age of unmarried mothers in respect of illegitimate births and would the Minister agree that unmarried mothers and children who are labelled as illegitimate are suffering from major inequalities under the legal system? What steps do the Government intend to take to introduce legislation in this area?

That is a separate question and should be put down to the appropriate Minister.