Minister Murphy launches National Statistics Board Strategy 2015-2020: A World Class Statistical System for Ireland

Minister of State for European Affairs and Data Protection, Dara Murphy TD, today launched the National Statistics Board’s Strategy for 2015-2020, A World Class Statistical System for Ireland, at an event in the Royal College of Physicians.
The National Statistics Board is responsible for setting priorities for the compilation and development of statistics in Ireland and guiding the strategic direction of the Central Statistics Office.
Speaking at the launch of the strategy Minister Murphy said:
“The economic crisis reinforced for all of us the importance of a robust system of official statistics. High quality statistical information is of vital importance if we are to effectively monitor economic and social progress.”
“In this new strategy, “A World Class Statistical System for Ireland,” the Board sets out an ambitious vision for the development of statistics in Ireland for the coming period. Ireland’s statistical system will be aligned with leading international systems and we will see official statistics increasingly drawn from administrative data sources.”
“Data provides us with huge potential and the strategy acknowledges the value of public sector data and its role in supporting improved policy development, administrative efficiency and the delivery of improved public services.”
“In the context of the increased use for statistical purposes of personal data held by public bodies, I welcome the fact that the NSB strategy specifically recognises the legitimate privacy and data protection concerns of the public.”