Would the Minister agree that the figures he gave for emigration were net and that the 32,000 figure does not tell the full truth, that it is more likely that 40,000 or 50,000 people are leaving and that 10,000 are coming back to retire? Would the Minister not indicate that that may be the answer to Deputy De Rossa's question, that the numbers actually going are greatly in excess of 32,000?

I can only repeat that the figure is 32,000 and that is a very reliable figure based on the system I have outlined.

I am calling Deputy De Rossa for a final brief supplementary.

I notice, a Cheann Comhairle, that every time you call me, you call me for a brief supplementary.

If the Deputy persists in arguing with the Chair, I will pass on to the next question. I have afforded the Deputy every courtesy. He knows the rules at Question Time.

Other Deputies have been allowed more supplementaries on my Question than I have been allowed.

Please do not follow that line of argument with me.

How can the Minister claim there were 32,000 emigrants last year while all of the other figures in relation to job creation, in relation to claims regarding increases in jobs and people at work point to the fact that these figures are wrong? Will the Minister indicate how he proposes to institute a system which will give us accurate emigration figures?

Deputy De Rossa's question was very simple. It asked the estimated number of persons who emigrated from the State. I have given that information and again I must repeat, for the third time, that it is based on a system that has been operated for many years and which until recently was never criticised as being inaccurate.

A Cheann Comhairle, you indicated that you would allow me a supplementary.

I am sorry, Deputy. The Chair must be obeyed at some stage. I have called Question No. 11.