asked the Taoiseach if he is aware of the fact that some of the questions being asked on the census form are of a very personal and private nature; and if there is an obligation on people to answer such questions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Census Form Questions.
4.
In my reply to Question No. 1 of 11th March, 1971, I listed a number of questions which are being asked in the 1971 census schedule but which were not included in the 1966 inquiry. Most of these, however, were asked in a number of earlier censuses. The only questions being asked for the first time at an Irish census are—usual residence at census date and one year earlier; method of transport to work or school and distance from residence to place of work or school; scientific or technological qualifications held; number of motor cars used by the household. These are not of a very personal or private nature.
As on previous occasions the census of population is on a statutory basis. The purpose of the census is to provide statistical information on the size and structure of the population. This can only be achieved by collecting all the necessary particulars for each individual member of the population and for each household. If completion of part of the census form were to be on a voluntary basis the resulting statistics would be incomplete and of little value. This is why there is an obligation on people to answer all the questions.
There is also, under the Statistics Acts, a legal obligation on all those involved in collecting and processing the results not to reveal any information about individuals or households to any other person. All the census forms are returned to the Central Statistics Office and nobody outside that office whether an individual, a Government Department or other body will have access to the individual forms or to the information about specific persons.
I am delighted that the Parliamentary Secretary has given these facts showing that this information will not be available to anyone outside the office but in view of the fact that quite a number of people are a little worried about it and a bit concerned that it is an infringement of their private and personal rights, would the Parliamentary Secretary be sure that the information he will get as a result will be accurate? The Parliamentary Secretary says they are obliged to answer. Will they now answer correctly in view of the fact that people feel a bit concerned at being asked these questions? There have been some protests to me about it, not just one, quite a few.
If the Deputy would be specific I would certainly give him every assistance in this connection.
They felt there was an infringement of their personal rights.
In what respect?
They said they were being asked personal questions. Actually I looked at the form and I did not think the questions were so personal.
As the Deputy knows there are 28 questions on the form but, with great respect to the Deputy, I feel they are very reasonable questions.
I looked at them and I was not dissatisfied with them but these complaints were brought to me in any case.