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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Research Surveys.

Mary Hanafin

Question:

92 Ms Hanafin asked the Taoiseach the controls in existence for conducting research surveys; if private companies are entitled to use the name national research survey; his views on whether it should be indicated that surveys are not being carried out officially by the Central Statistics Office [24008/99]

Surveys and censuses undertaken by the Central Statistics Office are covered by the provisions of the Statistics Act, 1993. In particular, the Act covers the right of the director general of the CSO to initiate such surveys, the statutory or voluntary nature of the inquiries, the appointment as officers of statistics of persons who may collect the information or have access to it, and the protection of the individual information obtained. The Act does not cover surveys undertaken by other organisations either in the public or private domains.

There would appear to be no restriction on a private company using the name "national research survey". There is also no obligation to indicate that the survey is not an official survey being undertaken by the CSO. However, it is an offence under the Statistics Act for persons to misrepresent themselves as "officers of statistics".

All persons engaged on official surveys undertaken by the CSO carry identification and members of the public are encouraged to contact the office if they have any doubts regarding the bona fides of any approach requesting participation in a CSO survey. This is vital since it is absolutely essential that the public have confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the CSO.

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