Minister calls for traditional high level of public co-operation on Census Night
Friday, 21 April, 2006
Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt TD has called on the Irish public to play their part in ensuring that Sunday’s 2006 Census is a resounding success.
Minister Kitt said, “Traditionally the Irish public has diligently filled in their Census forms and this has ensured that the information gleaned from the exercise has been extremely valuable. This is a particularly crucial Census, taking place at a time of unprecedented demographic and social change in Ireland. It is possible that the population could be as high as 4.2 million which would be the highest since 1871, 135 years ago.”
The Minister said, “In recent years we are all aware of a much changing Ireland – an Ireland that has seen a huge influx of non-Irish nationals which has created a new, vibrant, multicultural society. For the first time, the Census will give us precise figures on the numbers of non-Irish nationals living and working here.”
He added, “At both National and local level, population statistics are essential for planning the provision of essential services such as health care and education and will also advise on employment trends. In addition the Census will inform us as to other more local needs such as retail outlets and social amenities. The results will greatly help the Government with special strategic planning.”
Minister Kitt reaffirmed the confidentiality of all information collected from individual households and businesses, pointing out that this confidentiality is guaranteed by law.
In concluding, the Minister expressed his appreciation of the commitment of everyone in the Central Statistics Office in particular, the 5,000 field staff who are carrying out the detailed work on the ground.
Ends.
Note:
A translation of the Census form is available in 11 other languages aside from Irish and English. The form is also available in large print, Braille and an audio version for visually impaired. The CSO has also worked with the National literacy Agency to develop a step-by-step guide to filling out the form.