Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

On the first question, the figure for Dublin North is 29,996 and Dublin West is in excess of 30,000. This is extremely relevant to the earlier discussion. As for the use to which these figures will be put, having worked as the Minister of State with responsibility for the CSO, I am conscious — as are others — of the tremendous value these figures offer to legislators, the Government, local authorities and State bodies with regard to future planning. The Deputy has touched on some of the vital areas, such as schools and Garda stations. Another essential area relates to the kind of planning announced by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, regarding the Transport 21 initiative. Its entire approach is to connect communities and the CSO has clearly shown a huge increase in population in the outlying areas of Dublin. At the same time, a slower rate of development can be seen within the city itself. Clear needs will be provided for by these figures.

Future Governments will be obliged to take careful note of the CSO's reports. It is also interesting and encouraging to see a county such as Leitrim expand its population, which tells another story. This has huge implications for our spatial strategy and for Transport 21. The Government has already embraced the figures reflected in the census by planning ahead, as have the social partners. From my perspective, the CSO performs invaluable work across a wide range of areas. It helps the Government of the day and local authorities to plan correctly for the future.

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