Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The simple answer is no. I did not receive any communication from the CSO regarding any possible underestimation of the figures. As the Deputy is aware, the definitive counts will be delivered and announced next year. I may have stated previously on Question Time that there were 4,400 enumerators who were employed to deliver and collect census forms. Each was responsible for an enumeration area, EA, consisting of approximately 350 households. I accept that new problems were encountered on this occasion in the context of gated communities, apartment complexes etc., which made matters more difficult than in the past. The enumerators made contact with householders in the lead-up to census day, 23 April, marked the location of each house or apartment in their EAs and left blank forms and explanatory leaflets, with instructions to complete, to each householder. The process was definitive in nature.

I have not been contacted regarding any underestimations. As the Deputy is aware, this work is detailed and confidential in nature. We look forward to the publication of the definitive figures.

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