Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will send the replies on to Deputy Fleming. There was an increase of €13.2 million on the 2014 Estimate for Vote 4, Central Statistics Office. The allocation provides for advance preparation for the 2016 census of population and the commencement of the 2015-2016 household budget survey. Staff costs for a national employment survey and an Irish health survey are also included. That is the cyclical impact of the CSO's activities. I am informed that the office is facing significant challenges in delivering statistical requirements for users as both national and international demands, particularly those from the EU, continue to expand at a rapid rate in the context of a greater focus on evidence-based policy making. Clearly the market corporation test is an important part of the Government's consideration in setting up Irish Water. Funding for year one of a three-year investment programme was approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as provided for in the 2015 allocation. The 2015 allocation provides for a maximum of 750 staff, and the increase relates primarily to project staffing requirements for surveys of a cyclical nature. We will send on the answers to the specific questions on crime statistics and so on.