Vol. 427 No. 7
4 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he has recently conducted any study on the availability of official statistics from the Central Statistics Office in Ireland in comparison with those available from the central statistics offices in other European countries in terms of the range of subjects covered and the promptness of publication.
EC statistical publications show that the statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office are comparable in range and timeliness with those of other Community countries. No special international studies have been undertaken, but the National Statistics Board recently canvassed the view of national users and international agencies on the adequacy of Irish official statistics for the preparation of its second five year Strategy for Statistics covering the period 1993-97. While certain shortcomings were identified by some there was general satisfaction with the current output of the Central Statistics Office and the improvements which have been made in recent years.
Is the Minister of State aware that the most recent household budget survey, indicating the pattern of income and consumer power distribution, was carried out in 1987, that Ireland is virtually the only country in Europe that does not publish quarterly statistics on inflation but relies solely on annual statistics? Is he aware that Ireland publishes economic growth statistics six or eight months later than most other European countries and has not yet published a growth statistic for 1992? Is he further aware that the Central Statistics Office publishes no comprehensive statistics on energy use in the economy?
The Deputy has asked a series of questions.
All of which could be dealt with separately. However, as I have said, the National Statistics Board canvassed the views of people who sought the statistics. More than 220 organisations and individuals were canvassed and there was a general level of satisfaction in relation to statistics.
Is the Minister of State accountable to this House for the Central Statistics Office? If so, will he indicate if it is his opinion that publishing statistics in regard to inflation at that level of infrequency, publishing national accounts compiled from statistics so late and failing to publish any statistics in relation to energy is adequate? Is he further aware that the Central Statistics Office, in regard to consumer expenditure, has had to revise its statistics so radically that its initial publications are not regarded as accurate? For example, statistics in regard to consumer expenditure increases in 1985 were adjusted from a 1 per cent to a 4 per cent increase because the original statistics were not adequate.
As I said, the views of the people using the statistics supplied by the Central Statistics Office were sought and time limits in regard to statistics were referred to, but there was a general level of satisfaction in regard to statistics. If the Deputy wishes to raise questions in relation to particular surveys, I will be delighted to get whatever information I can for him. The users of the statistics published by the Central Statistics Office are generally satisfied with the level of frequency with which they are published and with the accuracy of the figures.
Is the Opposition in this House considered as one of the important users of Government statistics and will the Minister agree that the Opposition, through me, brought to the Minister's attention certain glaring inadequacies in both the promptitude and the accuracy of statistics? Will he accept that he, as the Minister responsible, should be willing to take action immediately on all of these matters?
The Deputy has raised three separate issues, some of which have been identified by the group examining the statistics. If he would like to put down a formal question——
It is the Minister who should do the job; I am not in charge of the matter.
That is correct, and I am responding with generosity to the suggestion made by the Deputy. The Deputy said he had some views he would like to put forward.
We have got them. What is the Minister's response?
The response is that they will be considered.
Considered?
Will the Minister agree it is important that the Programme for Government which we have embarked on for the next five years is underpinned by the most modern and relevant statistics? It is not so long ago since a significant proportion of our national debt was double counted, and there have been other statistical errors. Is it no important therefore that the Govern ment ensure that a full range of efficient statistics are produced? Will the Minister agree also that the Central Statistics Office should be based in Dublin?
The latter part of the question is a matter for Government policy. I am supposed to answer statistical questions. The location of the Central Statistics Office is a matter for Government. I agree it is important that we have up to date and accurate statistics as early as possible. That is what we are endeavouring to do and will continue to do in the future. I would welcome the views of anyone using statistics in regard to improvements which could be made in the compilation and publication of them. The Central Statistics Office operates under financial and other constraints. We must be realistic in deciding on our priorities and I believe we are doing that at present.
I now call Deputy Cullen and I observe that two other Deputies are offering. I would ask Deputies to be brief as I would like to proceed to Priority Questions as soon as possible.
Will the Minister accept that a large number of organisations do not use Central Statistics Office figures because the information they require is not available? Therefore, it is incorrect of him to suggest that everybody is satisfied in regard to the publication of statistics. Does he not see his role as giving a lead to the Central Statistics Office in being innovative in creating more use of statistics on a wider range of issues and at a much faster rate than heretofore? Will the Minister agree that the situation which pertains at present is not satisfactory and that it is up to him to ensure that changes are introduced?
I assure Deputies that if changes are required as part of this review they will be put in place, but I reiterate that there are financial and other constraints within which the Central Statistics Office must operate. I would be pleased if the Deputy would give me the names of any organisations requiring statistics which are not catered for and I will have the matter examined.
Arising from the Minister's reply that the output from our Central Statistics Office compares favourably with that in other European countries, would he now like to revise his reply in the light of Deputy Bruton's indictment? If not, will he tell us on whose advice he is informing the House that the record of our Central Statistics Office compares favourably with other European countries? Is he getting his information from the Central Statistics Office? How can he justify his remarks?
I stated that the EC statistical publications show that the statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office are comparable in range and time limit with those of other EC countries.
The Minister said nothing about accuracy.
Did the Minister include in his survey of satisfaction with the accuracy of statistics the users of the State statistics on the net external assets of the country, which in the past week were shown to be out of touch by £2,000 million? We were less well off to the tune of £2,000 million. If he has not already done so, will he include those people and tell the House why things went so radically wrong?
The Deputy has raised a very specific matter.
The Deputy may not be aware that I have already done that in the past week in response to a question put down by Deputy Rabbitte on the Adjournment of this House. I will be delighted to send to Deputy Bruton the response I made at that time.
In regard to the first part of his question, the people to whom he referred were included. I do not want to be accused of leaving people out. Groups organisations and individuals were canvassed for their views. They included Government Departments, local authorities, health boards, State-sponsored bodies, banks, building societies, insurance companies, stockbrokers, major companies and co-operatives, publishers of national newspapers and periodicals, companies engaged in market research, consultancy and so on, third level institutions and departments, international organisations, trade unions, trade, professional and other organisations. In deference to Deputy Bruton's earlier question, I will ensure that Opposition parties are included on the list the next time a review is carried out.
I want very much to deal with other questions.
I appreciate that.
I have dwelt overlong on this question.
You have been very generous, Sir, but this is the first occasion in a long time that a comprehensive look has been taken at statistics. Would the Minister agree that one of the objectives in the Programme for Government is to create greater equality throughout society? If that is the case would he agree it is entirely unsatisfactory that the latest information we have on income distribution dates from 1987 and that the Government therefore has no ongoing basis for measuring its success or otherwise in achieving what it claims to be one of its principal objectives — to ensure greater equality in society?
It would certainly be more acceptable if there were more up to date statistics in this area. However, there are other considerations and priorities to be dealt with by the Central Statistics Office. We have a very limited budget and we have to make the best use of the resources available to us. Yesterday a question was asked as to the number of people who left Gaeltacht areas to look for jobs abroad. If one were to undertake a survey of that kind everybody leaving Gaeltacht areas would have to fill out a form to say where they are going. Unfortunately we do not have the finance necessary to continually compile statistics over a wide area.
I accept the constraints outlined by the Minister in relation to funding. Will the Minister agree that it is fundamental to economic policy that we at least have correct statistics in relation to our assets? In view of the horrendous mistake that has come to light in the Central Statistics Office, has anybody offered a resignation?
Nobody has offered a resignation. The error was discovered by people in the Central Statistics Office as a result of the new system of compiling information. I will send the Deputy a full copy of the reply I gave to that matter in an Adjournment debate.
Will the Minister arrange to have the reply circulated generally?
I have no difficulty with that, but I presume it will be on the record of the House.
Whenever we get it.
Let us now take questions nominated for priority for which 20 minutes only is allowed under Standing Orders.
As this is the first opportunity for me to take questions in the House, I wish to congratulate Deputies Flanagan, O'Donnell and McManus on their appointment as Opposition spokespersons on Health. I have previously worked with Deputy Flanagan as a Whip and I look forward to the exchanges that will no doubt take place.
