Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I do not know when the next census in Northern Ireland will take place. Our next census will be held on Sunday, 23 April 2006. The following census will be held in 2011. Very good co-operation exists between Northern Ireland and this country in respect of the CSO, statistics and figures and this will continue, regardless of when the census is carried out in Northern Ireland.

It is planned to publish the principal demographic results within a year of the census and to release all publications from the 2006 census before the end of 2007, with the published tables being provided simultaneously on the CSO's website. A considerable amount of work is taking place, which does not simply happen before the night of the census and afterwards. I understand that three years' work is involved in this census. A follow-up census will take place in 2011. Co-operation with the authorities in Northern Ireland will take place. I will certainly convey Deputies' views to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of this debate.

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