asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that it is virtually impossible for planning authorities to review their development plans with any degree of accuracy in the absence of census of population; and if he will reconsider his decision and arrange for a census of population to be undertaken immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Census of Population.
1.
As I stated in my reply to a parliamentary question on 22nd October last, the absence of census data for 1976 will leave a gap in our statistical base. I am satisfied however that the effect on the development plans of planning authorities will not be as serious as the Deputy's question suggests. The majority of development plans will be due for review in 1977. Had a census been conducted in April, 1976, the bulk of the data from it would not have been available to many planning authorities in time for use in this review process. Moreover, the 1975 Labour Force Survey, the results of which will be available towards the end of this year, will provide estimates of the total population and labour force for different planning regions.
It also needs to be stressed that, in planning for future development, planning authorities are far from relying exclusively on data normally available from census returns. Many authorities carry out local surveys themselves or engage consultants to do so. Alternative sources of information—for example, house completions and particulars of industrial and commercial development—are available and these should enable planning authorities, with their detailed local knowledge, to assess trends and to formulate realistic projections on which to base the objectives of development plans coming up for review.
Is the Taoiseach aware that planning authorities cannot prepare development plans in the absence of figures relating to population, marriage rate, movements and trend in population in their areas? Is he further aware that the benefit which would accrue from positive planning would far outweigh the saving of £1 million odd in a period of all-time high unemployment and that the benefits which would accrue to the Government and to the community as a whole could not be counted in terms of the saving achieved from not carrying out the census?
I do not think anything the Deputy has said alters the fact that it is possible on the information available from the Labour Force Survey and on the basis of figures in regard to housing and so on in each local authority to plan. As the Deputy is probably aware, there are 87 planning authorities and up to date 83 of them have made plans, some of which are still to be completed and some of which are due for review during the next couple of years; but the statistical data which would become available in an ordinary census would not in any event be available for a census next year.
Is the Taoiseach serious in this matter? Is he aware of the fundamental importance of census information in relation to the provision of jobs for school leavers and other people in growth areas and prospective growth areas?
Wait now. I do not know which the Deputy is interested in. If he is interested in employment, that is a broad issue. If it is a question of planning, there is no significant deficiency in the data available to make proper planning assessments. I have not the data here but the last time I answered a question on this subject I indicated that the number of school leavers who would get employment is extremely limited because it is a highly scientific operation in which, with limited exceptions, only persons already experienced can be employed. That is one of the facts involved in it. There is no prospect of employing large numbers on it. The personnel who would be employed on it are persons already in the statistical service.
There seems to be some misunderstanding between my question and the Taoiseach's reply. I was not referring to the provision of jobs for school leavers in carrying out the census. Is the Taoiseach aware that without a census of population it is virtually impossible to plan for houses, schools, industries, jobs and public services?
The Deputy is repeating himself.
We could have a long debate on the merits of a census but on the issue that the Deputy raised in his initial question of inadequate data for planning authorities to complete their plans and review, there is adequate information available in the data available to local authorities and under the Labour Force Survey.
Because of the negative and completely unsatisfactory answer by the Taoiseach, I propose with your permission to raise this matter on the Adjournment tonight.
I presume the Ceann Comhairle will communicate with the Deputy.