Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
188. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the consideration given to the five-year census of population, which would have been due to take place in 2021; if preliminary work has taken place; if resources have been provided; if a formal decision has been made to postpone the census; and if so, when it will be delayed until.. [33906/20]
View answerOn the advice of the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Government decided on September 15th, to postpone the 2021 Census to 3 April 2022.
The Census of Population is a unique count of everyone present in Ireland on Census night and provides essential information for planning and decision making. It is vital that the Census enables everyone in Ireland to participate so that the information gathered reflects all of our needs and can be used to make decisions that benefit us all. The CSO is adequately resourced at this stage for the preparatory work required in 2021.
The decision to postpone the Census scheduled for 18 April 2021 until 3 April 2022 was not taken lightly and was based on a number of factors. Foremost in the decision making, was the need to ensure the safety of the general public and CSO field staff, coupled with the need to deliver a Census that achieves the highest possible response rate, across all facets of Irish society.
Furthermore, the Census of Population is a major logistical operation and COVID-19 restrictions have prevented or delayed many key planning activities from taking place over recent months.
On consideration of these challenges the Government decided to postpone the 2021 Census until April 2022 to enable the CSO to undertake a comprehensive, inclusive and safe Census in 2022 which will provide valuable and accurate data for our country in the years ahead.
