Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

The results of the census will be used for the benefit of future generations by informing Government policy. I am sure the local authority in the Deputy's area will make use of the data.

I assure him that the company contracted by the CSO is of the highest integrity. This company was employed previously by the CSO, in the 2002 and 2006 censuses, and at no stage did any information go astray. The company has the highest standards of confidentiality. All data from the census forms go back to the central office in Swords and all the information is collaborated there. The data do not go to any company in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. The company in question is contracted to format the questionnaire and manage the computer system. Under no circumstances will the data go elsewhere.

See this speech in context