Vol. 466 No. 1
58 Miss Harney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, he has made to ensure that an Irish category is included in the British Census 2001, as sought by groups representing the Irish community in Britain. [10770/96]
A number of Irish groups wish the census form to include "Irish" as a separate ethnic or racial category. I understand their desire to ensure that the size and importance of the large Irish population be fully recognised. However, some Irish people in Britain prefer to be treated, for census purposes, no differently than other EU nationals resident there.
The Embassy in Lonodon has ongoing contracts with Irish community groups in Britain about this and other issues and will keep the matter under review in consultation with them. The overriding consideration has to be the interest of the Irish community as a whole.
