Net migration to the region between 2002 and 2006 was 48,000, with a natural increase of 33,000 people.

Net migration has been negative in all of these years.

Little wonder, with net migration at 500,000 in the last year alone.

Until 2000, the country's net migration was at a negative.

So, sure, bring down net migration if you want to, but don't expect that to be the answer.

In the five years the net domestic migration was more than 47,000.

In other words, a net outward migration of almost 8,000 people.

Net migration reached a record high, as 26,300 more people moved to Ireland over the previous year than left.

Net migration may be at its highest, immigration is not.

Annual net migration has varied from 1.5 to 2.0 million people since 2003.