asked the Taoiseach if he has satisfied himself that the Central Statistics Office is adequately staffed and equipped to provide the State with an accurate and up-to-date flow of statistical information which is essential to the efficient and economical functioning of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Central Statistics Office Staffing.
2.
I am satisfied that the Central Statistics Office provide the State with an acceptable modern statistical system.
The CSO, operating on the basis of the strategy set down by the National Statistics Board and clearly within the Government's general policy on public service staffing, have made significant efficiency gains through increased investment in computerisation and improvements in dissemination procedures. Two important practical improvements that have been possible as a result are: the preliminary estimates of the 1988 Labour Force Survey were published in October 1988, some nine months ahead of what had been experienced up to then, providing important information on employment developments; and this year, for the first time ever a census of services was undertaken. Provisional results are expected to be available by the end of the year.
I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the staff of the CSO and the members of the National Statistics Board whose combined efforts have resulted in considerable improvements in our statistical system.
The House will agree that the Central Statistics Office have gone through some difficult times in the recent past. Is the Taoiseach satisfied therefore that the changes that have been implemented are of themselves sufficient to bring the office up to the level of performance that we require, or does he envisage any additional measures being taken by his Department?
It is really a matter for the CSO, who are very much involved in improving their performance and efficiency. Anything they come up with will certainly be considered favourably. The good doctor up on the backbenches over there must deserve his fair share of credit for those improvements.