Meeting 1: 18th January, 2019

Location:        Central Statistics Office, Ardee Road, Rathmines

Date:                January 18, 2019

Time:              10:30 am

Room:            Conference Room A

Agenda 

1. Introduction
2. Terms of Reference: Frequency of meetings and Objectives
3. Micro Data Discussion: Discussion on the use of Admin and Survey data
4. CSO Work Programme for 2019
5. AO.B

Minutes

Research System Coordination Unit Presentation

1. Following a brief introduction, the Research System Coordination Unit made a presentation regarding access to statistical data. The discussion related to access to LCU data, which is restricted at this stage.

2. Concern was raised about the new VDI system being used to access research files. Concern was also raised as to how the transition to the new system would work and if any difficulties were associated with the system. Users, however, were re-assured that the feedback was positive to date and that stability of the system was strong.

3. In general, the presentation was well received by participants.

Productivity in Ireland Presentation

1. A presentation of the CSO work programme then followed. Some discussions took place on asset categories that would be included in the current publication e.g the ICT and non-ICT breakout.

2. Some group members suggested that other components that are not included in the National Accounts Framework should also be considered. However, it was emphasised that all work would take place under the National Accounts framework of the SNA 2008.

QALI: Quality Adjusted Labour Index Presentation

The presentation on the QALI project, which will form part of the EUKLEMS framework, was well received. A suggestion regarding education categories was put forward, which the CSO will consider in future work.

General Discussion

A discussion followed on the productivity of Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and the absence of firm size indicators. The CSO clarified this type of analysis would not be included in the upcoming publication.

Terms of Reference

1. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the terms of reference. The frequency of the publication was discussed, and it was clarified that the publication would be an annual one. A proposal was also put forward by the group to review the publication pre-release and this was welcomed by the CSO.

2. It was also agreed that the group would meet twice a year, with the first meeting taking place pre-release and a second meeting taking place year end.