asked the Taoiseach how much the provisional turkey figure for this year's June census is down on the corresponding figure for 1960.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Figures.
3.
The preliminary estimate of the number of turkeys in June 1962 was 819,100. This total is 224,100 less than the preliminary estimate of 1,043,200 for 1960 and 159,300 less than the final figure of 978,400 for 1960.
4.
asked the Taoiseach if it is customary for the Central Statistics Office to submit their provisional June turkey figures to the Department of Agriculture before they are made available to the public.
It is customary for the Central Statistics Office to communicate to Government Departments, before general publication, the results of statistical inquiries with which those Departments are directly concerned, particularly when estimated figures are involved. This procedure is followed in connection with the provisional results of the June agricultural enumeration (including the figures for turkeys) which are communicated to the Department of Agriculture before publication.
May we take it that the Central Statistics Office reserves and exercises the right of publishing what, in their judgment, is the authoritative figure in the event of a difference existing between the estimates of the Statistics Office and a Department of State?
I would point out to the Deputy that this question relates not to authoritative figures but to estimated figures and he will understand there is always a certain scope for debate in preparing estimates. The purpose is to make these estimates as reliable as possible and the Central Statistics Office will, of course, endeavour to ensure that in all circumstances.
And in the last analysis, the estimate prepared and published is published with the authority of the Central Statistics Office and not of any Department?
That is quite correct.