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The Census

The importance of the census is that it provides invaluable data which are essential tools for effective policy, planning and decision making purposes. It gathers information not only on the size of the population, but also about the make-up of the population of towns, villages, and other small areas across the country. A range of different questions relating to households and individuals give a comprehensive picture of the social and living conditions of the people of Ireland in detail. 

The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC)

The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) collects information throughout the year on the income and living conditions of different types of households in Ireland, in order to derive indicators on poverty, deprivation and social exclusion. It is a voluntary (for selected respondents) survey of private households, conducted on a weekly basis. It is carried out under EU legislation (Council Regulation No 1177/2003) and commenced in Ireland in June 2003.

The Household Budget Survey (HBS)

This is a survey of a representative random sample of all private households in the State and HBS surveys have been carried out periodically in Ireland since 1951. Each household that participates completes a detailed household questionnaire which including questions on tenure status, household appliances, household facilities and housing costs such as mortgage, rent, etc. The main purpose of the HBS is to determine in detail the pattern of household expenditure in order to update the weighting basis of the Consumer Price Index.

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS)

This is a large-scale, nationwide survey of households in Ireland. It is designed to produce quarterly labour force estimates that include the official measure of employment and unemployment in the state (ILO basis). The survey began in September 1997, replacing the annual April Labour Force Survey (LFS). The QNHS also conducts special modules on different social topics each quarter.

Planning Permissions

The Planning and Development Acts 1963 - 2000 impose certain requirements on all persons that propose to build or develop. It specifies that a planning permission must be obtained from the relevant Planning Authority. Local Authority building (including housing) is exempt in the case where construction takes place in the Authorities' own area. Planning permission is also needed for development by the State, except where the consultation procedures provided for in the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1993 obtain (e.g. national security, public safety or order, the administration of justice etc.)

The CSO planning permissions data is collected and published only in respect of developments within the State which are subject to the requirement to obtain planning permission. Further to that the data is only collected in respect of final grants of permission or approval, i.e. for works involving construction.

Principal Statistics

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