asked the Taoiseach if the estimate as given in the Radio Éireann News Bulletin as to the time it will take to publish accurate statistics of the 1951 Census is correct; and, if so, whether he has satisfied himself that the completion of the statistics could not be expedited by the use of more efficient methods than those at present employed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Census.
The estimate given in the Radio Éireann News Bulletin as to the time it will take before the results of the 1951 Census become available was quite correct. The statement was that:—
"Special efforts are being made on this occasion to reduce the time taken for the census. With the co-operation of the public in rendering accurate returns, it is hoped that the results will be available in 1953. Preliminary figures will be published about the middle of the present year."
This time schedule represents a substantial improvement on that of recent Irish censuses and is satisfactory by international standards. In view of the complexity of the task I am satisfied that it is not possible to expedite it further.