Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Cuirfidh mé ceist ar an CSO maidir leis seo, agus iarrfaidh mé ar na hoifigigh scríobh chuig an Teachta Sargent.

Forms for individuals and households were available in both English and Irish and could be completed in either of the two official languages. In addition, to facilitate recent immigrants, translations of the census form were provided in 11 foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Latvian, Russian, Spanish and so on. Respondents could study the language version of their choice by completing either the English or Irish language form. I will raise that matter with the Central Statistics Office.

The Deputy is correct that there are many lessons to be learned from this experience. The Deputy and I have discussed previously the need to use the Internet. We would all hope by the time of the next census of population that we will be using the Internet, particularly on an exercise of this nature, especially given the problems with gated communities and apartment blocks. It is clear from my earlier reply, despite the fact that enumerators used mobile phones and calling cards, they still had difficulty gaining access. Given that modern communications will be freely available next time round, it will be important to use the Internet on that occasion. That is a given. I will raise that issue.

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