John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

On the Deputy's second question, there is no specific question on the census form, neither is there any opportunity at this time for its inclusion in the 2011 census as this would not be logistically possible. The preparatory work for the census forms has been completed, a pilot has been undertaken and 2 million forms have been printed and are in storage in readiness for use. When the analysis of this census is complete, the same process is repeated in the formulation of a future census. The Deputy's point could be considered in the subsequent analysis of the public consultation as to the nature and type of questions. However, it would be misleading to suggest there is any opportunity to include it in this census form because this has been printed and presented.

I agree with the Deputy on one point. The live register is often not the best measure and while it is a headline figure to which reference is made continuously, it is probably not the best figure. Other figures are available from the quarterly national household survey or with regard to those in employment. Approximately 1.86 million people are in employment. As the Deputy said, perhaps those figures would be more specific and more detailed but the question in this census to do with emigration cannot be. However, this would not preclude it from being considered during the next public consultation period when it is open to anybody - including the Deputy - to make submissions.

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