asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has entered into, or proposes to enter into, communication with the Government of Northern Ireland with a view to ensuring as high a degree of uniformity or comparability as is practicable in the census to be taken next year in the areas of the two Governments.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - NEXT YEAR'S CENSUS.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
I have not entered into communication with the Government of Northern Ireland in the matter, but will do so if such is shown to be necessary. The whole question of the data to be compiled is receiving attention by the most expert authorities available, but definite conclusions have not yet been arrived at.
I would ask the Minister if he is emphasising the word "necessary" in that answer. It is obviously not necessary, but I am asking whether it is desirable that the two forms of census should correspond and should be comparable. Will he consider the desirability of taking such steps as are necessary to make the returns comparable?
I will see that the Deputy's views are taken into consideration by the authorities considering the matter.