ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the quantitative dimension of Irish migration and is set in demographic context. It is difficult to understand fully the causes and consequences, the personal and cultural circumstances, the social, economic and political realities of migration without particular reference to the numbers involved, their countries of origin or destination, their sex, age, marital status and other demographic characteristics. The chapter then exemplifies the extent and variety of the statistics available for a quantification of Irish migration, demonstrating their development and potential use. By far the most significant recent development in the quantification of Irish migration has been the (Central Statistics Office) CSO Statistical Release on Annual Population and Migration Estimates. The chapter then documents the availability of recent Irish migration statistics with particular reference to official published data. The unprecedented net immigration of the 1970s combined with an increase in natural increase gave rise to growth levels which were four times higher than the European Community average.
