Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend Senator Ó Murchú on this Bill. As someone who is interested in history and, in particular, our social history, I welcome the proposed amendment to the Statistics Acts so that the Statistics Act 1993 will no longer apply to the 1926 census. This in turn would allow the 1926 census results to be released immediately so that the first census undertaken by the Free State would be available in time for the centenary commemorations. It is a sensible and worthy proposal. I appreciate that we must be mindful of the drawbacks such as the 100-year rule, which is intended to ensure that the vast majority of those listed in a census have passed away by the time it is published. The publication of the 1926 census may have the effect of revealing personal information about people in their late 80s or 90s. However, the 100-year rule does not make sense to me in the context of international norms. I listened with interest to Senator van Turnhout describe her own experience. She put my knowledge of these matters to shame but she also enlightened me about the possibilities. I do not wish to be cynical but from an economic point of view, The Gathering has revealed the level of interest in visiting this country, particularly among American people. We should be making it as easy as possible for them to do so.

I understand the extensive preparatory work required to facilitate the release of the data into the public domain can commence in advance of the legal restrictions being resolved. The CSO and the National Archives have agreed to facilitate this preparatory work. For reference, the 1901 and 1911 census project cost approximately €5 million. There are, therefore, serious cost implications. An enabling strategy for an approach that would keep costs down has been accepted by the Cabinet. The current staffing level of the National Archives is insufficient to meet the demands imposed by this task. It is envisaged that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will identify new resources by the redeployment of existing clerical staff and the use of JobBridge programmes. Similarly, the Department has been working with the OPW on fitting out accommodation for the project as the National Archives premises on Bishop Street does not have the facilities required.

There is great benefit in opening up the census despite the potential costs. We would see economic gains over the relatively short term. This was an important period, including as it did the 1916 Rising and the general election of 1918. Although I appreciate the difficulties to which others have alluded, I think it would be a good idea to release the results of the 1926 census.

Senator Barrett spoke about philanthropy, which is being encouraged by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Surely this is an ideal project for a philanthropic donor.