While the main purpose of the QNHS is the production of quarterly labour force estimates, there is also a provision for the collection of data on social topics through the inclusion of special survey modules. The selection of the major national modules undertaken to date has been largely based on the results of a canvas of users (over 100 organisations) that was conducted by the CSO in 1996, 2002, 2008 and most recently in 2011. The results of the 2011 canvas were presented to the National Statistics Board and they were asked to indicate their priorities for the period 2012-2014.
The schedule for social modules in any given year is based on the following structure:
| Quarter 1 |
Annual update module Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Survey |
| Quarter 2 | EU module (always covered under EU legislation) |
| Quarter 3 | National module |
| Quarter 4 | National module |
The following link outlines the social modules undertaken to date in the QNHS: