asked the Taoiseach the number of persons normally employed in the preparation and compiling of the census of population on (a) a part-time and (b) a full-time basis.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Census of Population.
4.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the further loss of opportunities for young people created by the Government decision not to hold a census in 1976.
6.
asked the Taoiseach if he is aware of the growing concern at the Government's decision not to have the five-yearly census in 1976; and in view of this and of the fact that lack of up-to-date statistical information will have a deleterious effect on forward economic and social planning, if the Government will reverse their decision.
7.
asked the Taoiseach the reason for the cancellation of the national census; and if, in view of the public outcry, he considers the cancellation is justified.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7 together.
The absence of census data for 1976 will leave a gap in our statistical base. This is regrettable but it is necessary in the current economic situation to allocate resources to the areas of greatest need.
The absence of the census will however not cause as serious a gap as the questions imply. Material based on the annual census of industrial production, the census of building and construction, the annual agricultural surveys and other departmental sources and studies will provide estimates of the trend of output, employment and other economic and social indicators. Moreover beginning with a survey already undertaken earlier this year, the Central Statistics Office will conduct periodic sample labour force surveys which will provide basic demographic data for major policy purposes as well as broad coverage of the pattern of employment and labour force growth across all sectors of the economy.
The number of permanent civil service staff involved in a census of population varies from a peak of about 130, reached about six months after census date, to a level of some 50 for the long term processing.
The field enumeration work in a census would require the employment of about 3,300 temporary enumerators and supervisors, but the vast majority of these would be employed on a part-time basis for about two months.
Would the Taoiseach agree that it has been regarded as essential for the purpose of forward economic planning in the State to have the overall census, notwithstanding the various other minor surveys to which he has referred?
As I mentioned in reply to the question, it is considered that the lack of an overall census does leave a gap, but the other surveys and data which are compiled from a variety of sources provide adequate information on which to base various forecasts which are necessary.
It may be adequate for the purpose of this Government, who apparently make ad hoc and reactionary decisions as a rule. But from the point of view of permanent Government planning, irrespective of who is in Government, it has been accepted that the five-yearly census, which has been held, apart from one exception during a former Coalition period of Government, is necessary for this purpose. May I ask the Taoiseach if, as apparently the Government have decided, no census will be held in 1976 when it would be proposed to hold the next overall census? Would it be postponed to 1981?
No decision has been taken on that, but as the Deputy is aware, in the past, both here and in Britain, with a few recent exceptions, there have been ten-yearly intervals. There is no reason why they cannot be held within a shorter period.
Would the Taoiseach agree that, on the assumption that the next census would be in 1981 and the result of that census would not be available for assessment until 1982, and that if, as a result, it will be proven necessary, according to the Constitution, to revise all constituencies, this could not be achieved until, at the earliest, early 1983? This being so would the Taoiseach agree that the current gerrymander of constituencies would remain up until 1983, and is this not the main purpose for the postponement of the census?
It has nothing whatever to do with it.
In the light of what the Taoiseach has just told us, that up to 3,000 people employed part-time would be required, and in view of the serious unemployment situation, especially among young educated people, who would be ideally suited for the purpose of carrying out researches, would it not be at least desirable in their interests that this temporary employment was made available in 1976?
The fact is that this temporary employment is for a very limited period. Most of it is only for a period of as short as two months. The practice has always been to engage people of maturity. In fact, the previous practice was always to have mature people at it and with the possible exception of a very limited number there would be no employment for any length of time.
There are many mature people unemployed.
Has the Taoiseach received any protests from the IDA in regard to not carrying out the census this year? Has the Minister for Local Government or the Minister for Industry and Commerce consulted with the Taoiseach or did the Taoiseach consult with them before deciding not to take this basis in regard to future planning for industry and so on in the country?
The information which is necessary is available from other sources as I said.
Question No. 8.
In regard to the 130 permanent staff and the 3,000 odd temporary staff, can the Taoiseach give us an indication of the total number of man hours involved, or, alternatively, can he say how many of the 3,000 or so people involved would be short term or long term employees? Did the Government, at a stage like this with unemployment rising daily, not give serious consideration even to part-time employment?
As I said, in reply to a supplementary from the Leader of the Opposition, the total number employed would be 3,000 only for a period of a few months.
Would they all only be for a period of two months?
No.
I asked how many of them would be for periods longer than two months? Can the Taoiseach give us any idea of the total number of man hours involved?
We are having a repetition of questions.
We are not.
We are. A final supplementary question on this matter from Deputy Briscoe.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the grave concern of certain members of the Confederation of Irish Industry over the postponement of the census? Is he aware that there is concern felt among those members? Has this yet been conveyed to him?
I am aware of the views conveyed to us.
Question No. 8.
On a point of order, the Taoiseach was rising to reply to my question on the number of man hours involved.
I have not the number of man hours but I have the figures for the number employed, which are 30 temporary clerical assistants and 130 permanent Civil Service staff who would have been recruited from the normal Civil Service examination candidates.