John Bruton
Ceist:24 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the reason the information in the February 1992 Economic Series under the heading vital statistics contains no information on the last quarter of 1991; and if he considers the delay acceptable.
Written Answers. - Economic Statistics.
The compilation of vital statistics is based on returns from over 300 registrars throughout the country. Any delay in the registration of vital events therefore impacts on the timeliness of publication of results.
There has been a steady improvement in recent years in the publication timelag for vital statistics. At present these data are available three to four months after the quarter to which they refer.
In the context of the administrative system underlying vital statistics, I am happy that the Central Statistics Office are doing an efficient job.