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 survey work.
During Census, every household in Ireland is surveyed. As it is not always possible to reach so many people, a statistical sample is created for other surveys. We use a mix of primary and secondary data to create samples, which are a selection of people that is representative of a whole population. Sampled people are invited to participate in CSO surveys; participation in this survey is voluntary.
Statistics are about populations. This means we are interested in all survey responses, rather than any particular respondent. After collection, responses are pooled, validated, and identifiers are removed. For example: birthdays will be flattened, identification numbers will be substituted, or names will be removed. Statistical analysis is performed only by CSO staff who are Officers of Statistics and have signed a secrecy declaration.
As well as producing statistics, we co-ordinate other public bodies’ statistical compilation and support research. Information used for this work cannot identify any person and is accessible only via a secure CSO-controlled environment by Officers of Statistics following a strict approval process.
Your responses will be used only for statistical purposes and cannot be put to any other use. Confidentiality is protected by law. Your responses 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 Diarmuid Martin by post at Prices Division, Central Statistics Office, Skehard Road, Cork, T12 X00E, by phone at +353 (21) 4535306, or by email via ServicesPrices@cso.ie.