Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I thank Senators for the positive contributions they made to this debate. This discussion reveals the high level of interest in this House and in society in general in official statistics and the CSO. For good reason, people are more aware than ever of statistical facts and figures. The CSO publishes a vast amount of information on economic and social issues that affect each and every one of us. At a time of great change and difficult decisions, this statistical information is needed more than ever. We can plan for a better future and progress in building our economic well-being with this information.

The Government's programme for public service reform and its emphasis on greater accountability will make greater use of statistics to inform policy. The statistical system needs to be responsive to policy makers while also maintaining its independent voice. I am impressed by the CSO's professional approach and its ability to provide an independent and impartial service. The census of population is one of our most important information sources for planning. The preliminary headcount figures have already been published and detailed reports will issue in March 2012.

Senator Mooney spoke about staffing problems in the CSO. Like every Government agency, the CSO is committed to making structural changes, including in the area of staffing. I assure the Senator, however, that the professional work it has carried out since its foundation continues. More is being done with less at all levels of government.

Several Senators spoke about the importance of collecting data for the tourism sector. I have spoken with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ring, and their officials on this issue. The CSO makes available a considerable range of information they can use to improve tourism. The CSO board encourages Ministers to find out what types of information are available and some have already met the board. This useful information can be brought to the Cabinet and used to develop policy by various Departments.

As Senators will be aware, there is a strong relationship among North-South bodies and Departments and meetings are held regularly between Ministers from the North and the South. Like other Government agencies, the CSO has a close working relationship with its Northern counterpart and the two agencies are planning to publish a special census 2011 report on Ireland North and South in late 2012 or some time in 2013.

Reference was made to the various ways that census data can be used. Senator Ó Domhnaill spoke about the housing market, which is a welcome addition to the CSO's research functions. We have come through turbulent economic times over the past several years but the CSO has reacted by producing research that will be useful to the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. It also collects a significant amount of data on businesses and industry, particularly in respect of small and medium-sized enterprises. If we are to address our current economic problems, small and medium enterprises-sized will be vital to our recovery. I have encouraged the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Perry, to find out from the CSO what information it can supply.

I have learned a great deal from today's debate. The CSO continues to face significant challenges but I have no doubt it will continue its great work over the next several years. The census 2011 figures will be released early next year. Many people are afraid to fill out the census form because they thought it might be used against them. Last night, I received a telephone call from an individual who blamed the CSO for a social welfare payment being stopped. I assure the House that the CSO is completely independent and the information collected in the census is absolutely confidential. I stand over that as Minister of State with responsibility for the CSO. Its staff, from chairman down, work in a professional manner and treat all information received with confidentiality.

I thank Senators for their contributions and appreciate the input of Deirdre Cullen, the CSO official who accompanied me to this debate. This was my first opportunity to address the Seanad but I hope I will have further opportunities to discuss matters with Senators. As Government Chief Whip I was accused this morning of preventing legislation from coming before the Seanad. I was surprised at this because the last Seanad was adjourned on numerous occasions.

I assure Senators that the Leader of the House, Senator Cummins, is putting me under extreme pressure to have business come into the Seanad which has a very important role to play. I have a very good working relationship with Senator Cummins and if anyone on the other side of the House has any problems with the way the Government Whip's office works I can sit down with him or her and go through how legislation works and how it is introduced into the Seanad.