Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. Will he accept that accurate census figures are absolutely essential for planning infrastructure, housing and education?

Does the Government stand over the 2006 census figures? The Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, rubbished the census figures on immigrants and non-nationals working and living in Ireland. When challenged both in and outside the House, he repeated his claims. Has the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, asked his source of information? If Deputy Conor Lenihan's claims are accepted, then the figures are inaccurate. Has the Minister of State any proposals to change the census compilation methodology?

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