The CSO uses ‘primary data’ and ‘secondary data’ to produce statistics. We collect primary data from people through surveys. Secondary data about people is collected from public bodies. The Statistics Act, 1993 provides the basis for our collection and use of data. This notice explains how we use data in statistical production.
Statistics are about populations. This means the CSO is interested in everyone together, rather than any one person. When producing a statistical product, a Statistician first considers the data they will need and must justify its use. Statistical analysis is performed only by CSO staff who are Officers of Statistics and have signed a secrecy declaration.
Your data will be used only for statistical purposes and cannot be put to any other use. Confidentiality is protected by law. Your data may be disclosed only for a prosecution under the Statistics Act, under a contract protecting confidentiality, to Officers of Statistics for their work, with consent from a deceased person’s next-of-kin, or with your consent. CSO statistics are published in aggregate form and cannot identify any person.
We use the Generic Statistical Business Process Model to produce statistics. The model’s evaluation phase uses the CSO Data Management Policy to consider retention.
You have the right to access your data, rectify it, have it erased, to restrict its use, or object to its use. We will facilitate you as much as we can, but your rights may be limited in some circumstances. You also have the right to complain to the Data Protection Commission, which can be contacted by post at 6 Pembroke Row, Dublin 2, D02 X963, by phone at 01 765 0100 or 1800 437 737, or online at dataprotection.ie.
If you have a question about your data rights, contact our Data Protection Officer by post at CSO, Ardee Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 FX52 or by email via dpo@cso.ie.
If you want to know more about this survey, contact Samantha Walsh by post at Prices Division, Central Statistics Office, Skehard Road, Cork, T12 X00E, by phone at +353 (21) 453 5599, or by email via samantha.walsh@cso.ie.