It gives me great pleasure to welcome you here today to the launch of the field campaign for the 2006 Census of Population.
For me, the Census is a snapshot in time. It gives us a picture of who we are and how we live, right here and now. That is why the CSO’s motto for Census 2006 – Be Part Of The Bigger Picture – is so apt. The Census represents so much more than just a head count.
In many ways, the Census is also a window to the future. It gives us important insights into how we, as policy makers, need to work and plan to meet the needs of a rapidly changing and growing population.
I hardly need to tell you that Census 2006 is taking place at a time of unprecedented demographic and social change in Ireland. Over the last 10 years, our population has increased by over half a million people. Our labour force has increased by just under 500,000 and now stands at over two million.
From being a country of massive emigration in the past, Ireland is now viewed internationally as an attractive place to live and work. The sustained high level of immigration over the past decade or so means that perhaps 10% of our population is accounted for now by non-Irish nationals. This is high by international standards, even for countries with a long tradition of immigration.
This change has contributed to a much more complex and diverse population that places more exacting demands on our policy development and service provision. To respond effectively to these developments, we need high-quality and reliable information.
There are many important statistical surveys done on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis to keep us informed of trends in a number of different areas. These surveys provide useful indications of where we are, in terms of employment, unemployment and migration trends, to mention just a few.
But there is no other statistical undertaking that is on the scale of the Census. I think it is fair to say that it represents the backbone of our body of national statistics. It is the only survey that can provide an up-to-date and comprehensive “picture" of the entire population at national, regional and local level.
If today marks the beginning of the ‘field campaign’ for Census 2006, then we must pay tribute to the foot soldiers who will help ensure that this campaign is a success. Over the coming weeks, Census Enumerators will be delivering around 1.5 million Census forms to households and institutions throughout the country. They will be covering territory that ranges from the remotest rural dwelling to the tallest tower block. This intrepid bunch will have to brave the elements, as well as the household pets, to ensure that the census forms reach every outpost! This is no small task. Householders, and those responsible for institutions, must complete the forms in respect of every adult and child present on Census Night, Sunday, 23rd April.
The way in which a Census is conducted is also a telling indicator of how things have changed and what currently concerns us in the policy-making arena.
In 2006, translations of the Census form will be available in 11 different languages, aside from Irish and English. The form will also be available in large print, braille and as an audio version for the visually impaired. The CSO has also worked with the National Adult Literacy Agency to develop a step-by-step guide to filling out the Census form. All of these measures will help to ensure that Census 2006 is both comprehensive and inclusive.
The 2006 Census form includes new questions on fertility, ethnic and cultural background and voluntary activities. There is also a more comprehensive approach to the measurement of families and different relationships within households. These new questions will complement those retained, which cover not only the core demographic items but also such diverse issues as commuting patterns, level of education, existence of a disability and access to the internet.
I am also pleased to note that for the first time, a post-census sample survey will be undertaken to obtain more comprehensive information on persons recording a disability in the Census.
This exercise will allow the CSO to build on information gathered through the Census and will inform policy planning and development in this area. A questionnaire is being prepared by a consultative group comprising all relevant shareholders to ensure that it can effectively establish the prevalence, severity and impact of disability. Such careful preparation is particularly important given that this type of survey is at an early stage of development internationally and other countries will take their lead from us.
This is an example of good integrated statistical planning. It will provide key information in an area of high priority for the Government.
A survey on the scale of the Census does not come cheap and will cost in the region of €50 million. There is no question however, as to the importance of this investment and the Government is anxious to ensure that it is a complete success. After all, Ireland's most important asset is its people and a Census represents a stock take of that asset!
As usual, the Census is under the complete control of the Central Statistics Office. It is important that the general public are fully aware of the independence, impartiality and integrity with which the CSO discharges its duties. These attributes have been the hallmark of the Office since its foundation in 1949 and are guaranteed by law. Everyone can be fully assured that all information given will be treated as strictly confidential. It will be used for statistical purposes only and the results will be prepared and disseminated in a fair and impartial manner.
The sheer pace and scale of the changes that have taken place since the last Census in 2002 makes it all the more necessary to ensure that the upcoming enumeration is conducted efficiently. We need good quality results in as speedy a timeframe as possible. The full support of everyone with the Census is vital in achieving this goal.
In conclusion, I would call on everyone to co-operate with the CSO in the conduct of Census 2006 to ensure that it is a resounding success. Let us all record our part and Be Part Of The Bigger Picture!
Thank you.
28th March 2006
ENDS
