Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As stated previously, I acknowledge the difficulties with the register. I know that the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, has discussed the issues with the Central Statistics Office and has written to the Minister. However, I believe that the CSO is anxious to concentrate on census work, not using it for any similar exercise. The Minister is examining options for the register in the short term. There are also long-term issues, but most of us are concerned with what he can do over the next few months.

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