Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending today. We understand the importance of this particular database. It is so important. We have heard that the production of the results of the Census 2022 is expected to commence in May and that the CSO is committed to producing a wide range of statistical tables generated from the data on disabilities. It has also said that over 50 detailed tables relating to the disability were produced from Census 2016, and at least that number will be produced from Census 2022. Perhaps that could be explained to me.

The other concern I have is that we are now speaking about Census 2027. Do the witnesses feel that there was enough meaningful engagement with the different groups and agencies? I have a concern over that. The reason we are speaking about Census 2027 is that the CSO is saying that meetings have already been held with organisations representing people with a disability and these will continue. I understand that there will be an online response option as well as a paper option. A lot of things are online now. Mention was made of a website also being designed. We have just completed a census, which is so important. Information is crucial for people with disabilities. Have we failed with that? While it is welcome that we are speaking about Census 2027, responding online and website, are there perhaps areas that we have failed on? As previous speakers have said, there are huge issues with communication. We must ensure that these are addressed. We have discussed the need to segregate disability data. To me, it is vitally important that the data are segregated. I welcome the organisations' opening statements, but I just feel that we need to do more.

There is a barrier there and I see it myself daily. We see it here in our committee as well when we speak to people with disabilities. I refer to difficulties with accessing housing, as other speakers referred to, services and even resources. I feel this is important. It worries me now that while the 2022 data are still being brought out we are now moving to 2027. Perhaps I might get a response on this aspect.

It is important to state that all of us here are working for the good of everyone and to ensure these data are there and are accessible. I welcome it being mentioned that the wording had changed in the census because it had been a little bit of a barrier. One thing I have learned from this committee, though, is that when we are working with groups and organisations in a field of their own, they know exactly how we can do this best. We have learned that we must always listen to the people who need the supports and changes and ensure we can look after them.