asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who emigrated from the Republic in the years 1985, 1986 and 1987 classified by (a) those under 21 and (b) those over 21.

Comprehensive documentary or other administrative procedures relating to the movement of persons into and out of the State would be necessary in order to determine the actual numbers of inward and outward migrants in any period. As such procedures are not in force the only reliable estimates of migration flows are those for net migration, that is, the difference between the inward and outward flows between successive censuses of population.

Net migration estimates are made in respect of mid-April for each year. Net migration estimates for each of the past three years are as follows:

Estimates by age group are not available.