DRAFT
Speech by Minister of State, Paul Keogh TD
at the launch of the 2011 Census of Population
in Government Buildings
on Thursday 10th March 2011 at 13.00
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you here today to the launch of the field
campaign for Census 2011.
The census is an important milestone for the country. It is a time to stand back and take
stock. In the census on the 10th April, each and every one of us will be given the
opportunity to record important information about our lives and circumstances in Ireland
today, information which is essential to helping us to understand where we are as a
country. The provision of this information is critical as we face the challenges ahead.
As we all know, this is a very important time for Ireland. As a society we are faced now
with making crucial decisions about our future and it is imperative that we have accurate
and objective information on which to base those decisions. The census is the most
comprehensive and valuable of these information sources. It is critical therefore that
everyone in the State on Census Night is included in preparing this accurate and up-todate picture of Ireland.
This is why the CSO’s motto for Census 2011 “Make your Mark” is so apt. The census
is an opportunity for all of us to contribute to a common store of knowledge about who
we are so that our needs for the future can be addressed. When you complete your
census form on Sunday April 10th, you will be making your mark about the future shape
of this country.
The census is unique. It is the largest operation of its type that takes place in the State.
It includes everyone, it is about everyone and the results can be used by everyone!
Certainly it provides data which is indispensible for Government, for policy makers, for
organisations and for individuals. For Government to function effectively it is essential
that we have a detailed, accurate and up to date picture of the Irish people: men and
women, children and the elderly, the employed and unemployed, those not in the labour
force, urban and rural, our education and skills, the languages we speak, our health,
and how we travel to work and school. These are things we need to know in order to
make informed decisions in various policy areas.
One of the greatest benefits of the census is that the results are available for everyone
to use, from small start-up businesses to multi-nationals, local authorities to transport
providers, media, students, commentators, local communities and so on. The list goes
on because the census is a resource which is available to all and which we can all use,
whatever our specific needs for information may be.
The census is a major undertaking for the Central Statistics Office who carry it out in a
totally independent and confidential manner. I would like to emphasise that the
information collected in the census is for statistical purposes only, this is guaranteed by
law and is fully understood and respected throughout the public service. As custodians
of the data the CSO takes its legal responsibility to protect the data that individuals
provide on their census forms very seriously and have an unblemished record in this
regard.
It is very important that every household in the country takes part on the 10 th April. This
includes everyone in the State on Census night, no matter where they are from. And
there is plenty of help available to those who need it. In addition to the Irish and English
versions of the form, translations are available in 21 other languages to help those who
are not proficient in our two official languages. A large print version of the form is
available, along with Braille and audio versions to assist those with sight difficulties, and
a practical Step by Step Guide to filling in the census form, developed in association
with the National Adult Literacy Agency, is available to give guidance on each individual
question. And of course census enumerators will be happy to assist people with their
questions and queries when they call to deliver and collect the census form.
In the coming weeks, Census Enumerators will call at every doorstep of every home in
Ireland to deliver in the region of 1.8 million census forms. They will brave the elements
as well as household pets, to ensure that the census form reaches every home in
Ireland. This is no small task and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute in
advance to the dedication and professionalism of all those involved who will be working
hard to make sure that the census is a success.
I ask that the people of Ireland join in the spirit of inclusiveness which the census
represents and to make their mark, by completing the census form wherever they are
in Ireland on the census night 10th April.
Thank you very much for your attention!