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 4,900 Census enumeration areas, and the subsequent geographic coding of census data. This involves the definition of the boundaries of enumeration areas to provide work assignments averaging 420 dwellings for individual Census Enumerators. Census Geography carries out the extension of existing town boundaries after each census to take account of the growth of towns in the intercensal period this can also involve the creation of new Census towns. Census Geography maintains a GIS system containing the boundaries of administrative areas digitised by other bodies e.g. Electoral Divisions, Town Lands, Small Areas boundaries which are used in the compilation of statistics relating to these geographies.

Census Field Operation

This Section is responsible for the organising and management of the Census Field Operation. This involves the planning and documentation of the Census Enumeration process, the design and print management of Census forms and the production of detailed operational field manuals. This section also manages the Census Field Operation during the lead in to the Census and the ten weeks when the Enumerators are in the field.

Census Processing

This area is responsible for the detailed processing of the Census returns. This involves the scanning, data repair, coding and cleansing of data from over 2 million Census Forms and the individual details for 4.5 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.

Census Logistics

This section is responsible for the provision of all logistical services for the Census Field operation. These include; Providing transport and storage facilities, The commissioning of 29 regional offices, The establishment and management of a warehouse environment, The procurement, packing and distribution of all census field materials, The collection of all census field materials, The provision of Health & safety training for all field and warehouse personnel. On completion of the census operation we are also responsible for the archiving of the Census materials.

Census IT

The Census IT area has responsibility for providing, supporting and maintaining the IT systems and infrastructure required by the various areas within the Census Directorate. These areas include Recruitment, Payments, Field operations, Processing, Geography, Publications, Inquiries and Dissemination and the Census website.

Census Payments

This Section is responsible for the paying of approx. 5,000 Census Enumerators on a Fees and Bonus structure and also for the checking, authorising and paying of Travel and Subsistence claims to the Field Management Team.