About Us

The Division is responsible for the collection, compilation and publication of information on the social and demographic characteristics of the Irish population to assist Government decision making and to inform the public at large. A major part of the Division's work is the five yearly Census of Population. Additional headquarters staff are appointed for the duration of the census operation and subsequently re-deployed to other Government departments.

The Division is organised into the following Sections:

Demographic Statistics

This Section is responsible for the preparation and dissemination of information on the social and demographic characteristics of the Irish population. It also prepares annual estimates of migration flows and population classified by age, group and sex as well as population and labour force projections at five yearly intervals.

Census Support Services

The staff involved in these sections are responsible for the recruitment, appointment, organisation and payment of field staff to carry out Census of Population, the human resource management dimensions of both office and field staff, organising the printing of the Census Form and other material, advertising, office and field accommodation, transportation, storage and other support services. A dedicated IT staff provide systems support in the census area.

Census Geography

This Section is responsible for the designation and mapping of approximately 4,000 Census enumeration areas, and the subsequent geographic coding of census data. This involves the distinction of not only the boundaries of enumeration areas themselves to provide standard work assignments for individual Census Enumerators, but also the boundaries of administrative areas (down to the level of Wards in urban areas and Townlands in rural areas), towns, suburbs and environs.

Census Processing

This area is responsible for the detailed processing of the Census returns. This involves the electronic recording, scrutiny, editing and coding of over one and a quarter million Census Forms and the individual details for close to four million persons.

Census Publications and Inquiries

This Section is responsible for the preparation of the detailed Census publications and outputs, special analyses, and the handling of all queries from the public concerning demographic statistics.