Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Minister of State agree a far more scientific approach to determining these figures must be found? It is as reasonable to suggest the travel numbers from this island to the neighbouring island may have reduced, that more Irish people go to Europe on holidays and their return from destinations such as France, Spain and Portugal could explain the 15% increase. I do not mean to discredit the statistics. I understand the limitations, but another method must be found. Does the Minister of State agree that all-island analysis and co-operation is required and will he undertake to address this matter with the CSO and the tourist bodies and enable us to have confidence in the figures?

I was concerned to note that last September the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with responsibility for integration policy, Deputy Conor Lenihan, indicated the 2006 census seriously underestimated the number of foreign nationals here. He instanced his view of the Polish population in this State. Does the Minister of State recall his suggestion that the number of Polish residents in this jurisdiction was more of the order of 160,000 to 200,000 than the 62,495 reported in the 2006 census? On what was the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, basing his figures?

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