Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With respect to our very eminent former ambassador for culture, Mr. Gabriel Byrne, I disagree with him when he says that all Ireland is interested in is a shake-down of people coming here. The Irish-American diaspora represents about half our worldwide diaspora. This is a credible national proposition to invite people back here in 2013, not just for the traditional purpose of hoping they will spend money, but to have an enjoyable and beneficial experience. Those who wish to find out where their antecedents came from should have that opportunity.

I do not have the publication date for the 1926 census, but there is a considerable cost involved. The Department is dealing with two main issues. One is to put in place the necessary statutory power to enable the project to proceed, while taking account of the current 100-year confidentiality rule under which the Central Statistics Office collects its data. In other words, one is not supposed to publish the data until 100 years have passed.

The second issue is to find a method of funding the project in the absence of Exchequer funding. I am advised by the Department that the 1901 and 1911 census projects cost just under €5 million and that they were funded by the Exchequer. The 1926 census project is estimated to cost a multiple of this figure. Obviously, the Department is examining the possibility of its options in this regard.

I disagree with our eminent former ambassador for culture. I cannot give the Deputy an exact date as to when the census will be published.

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