Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I endorse the Deputy's comments regarding the value, importance and centrality of the CSO as an independent data-collection body. Its agenda for the coming year includes a census on agriculture and a population census. I will examine the Deputy's proposal that, if I understand it correctly, the Government should consider increasing the level of funding available to the CSO in respect of advertising its role, sending its message to the public and getting the public to respond. I will revert to the Deputy on that issue. It is a good idea. Resources should be available within the Department to see whether we can do more to help the CSO, particularly in the context of Covid-19 and the limitations it has placed on its work and its capacity to undertake research.

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