John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

It is an interesting observation but is not practical at this point in time. The census is conducted as a stand-alone item of work. It is important to emphasise the key distinction that it is absolutely confidential to people completing the census. The data is anonymised when it is used afterwards. When individuals are filling in the form and providing personal details, the information does not go beyond the CSO. The statistical data goes beyond the CSO but the personal information submitted does not. Confidentiality is important and if people felt this personal information was going beyond the CSO, compliance, support and the trust the census has built up over a long number of years would be diminished. People comply with this willingly and they understand its significance and importance. One of the key elements is that it is totally confidential. When verified, transferred and used, the data is used on a statistical basis and individuals remain anonymous. No personal information is passed on to third parties. This is the key point about the census.

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