Mr. Pádraig Dalton:

In a sense this links both the European statistical programme and IESS. The particular survey which Deputy Doherty referred to was on the table at European level approximately five years ago and it never made its way through the legislative process because there was not enough support across member states. There was a great deal of concern about how one would collect sensitive information from people as young as 16 years in a household. For example, if one were trying to collect information on domestic violence, the perpetrator may also be present at the time. At that stage, there was a certain level of uncertainty in the statistical world as to how best to gather this information.

The current European statistical programme has not currently put that proposal on the table, although it acknowledges the need to collect information in this regard.

We would also agree this is an important area we should cover. The question is what is the best mechanism to collect this type of information to ensure we do not put anybody at risk. We must also ensure we collect accurate information and provide that evidence for policy makers and decision makers to address what is an extremely important issue.