Seanad debates
Wednesday, 25 April 2018
Commencement Matters
Census of Population Publication
10:30 am
Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for facilitating my Commencement matter on the need for the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to release the 1926 census records. Access to the 1901 and 1911 census returns for the entire island of Ireland has been available for public research for around 50 years. The digitisation of the 1901 and 1911 census returns by the National Archives has provided a wonderful national heritage resource, which is freely available via the Internet. Its phenomenal success has greatly increased the interest among members of Ireland's diaspora in their ancestral links to Ireland.
Cabinet papers are made available after 30 years and they frequently contain sensitive material which can make or break reputations and provide a fuller picture of how Government operated at the time. Could we accept a situation in which some material in our census is classified and other material is not as happens with some police records where examinations are made of what may or may not be released? I would like to hear what the Minister of State has to say on that point.
A period of 100 years is too restrictive. Back in 1993 this issue was discussed in the Seanad Chamber and I think it was Senator Manning who noted that the most turbulent period in modern Irish history ensued in the years following the censuses of 1901 and 1911. The outbreak of the First World War, in which around 49,000 Irish men were killed, occurred in 1914. The Easter Rising was in 1916 and the First Dáil met in 1919. There is a black hole in our memory. I have a Bill that would allow for the release of the census. It would give special heritage status to the 1926 census and bridge the gap in our records covering this very important period from 1911 to 1926. What is the likelihood of the Department being up for that? Would representatives from the Department have conversations with us on that likelihood?
Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Ar dtús, tugaim aitheantas don Seanadóir fá choinne an tseans labhairt ar an t-ábhar tábhachtach sin inniu. Táim thar a bheith sásta a bheith ar ais sa Seanad.
I thank the Senator for raising the matter. The census of population 1926 is an historic collection of great value and interest for historians, researchers, the general public and the diaspora. There has been great interest in previous releases. While I acknowledge the historical significance of and keen interest in these data, it is not possible to release the records at this time.
The Statistics Act 1993 prevents the release of census forms until 100 years after the date of the relevant census for reasons of confidentiality. The 1926 census of population was undertaken under the 1926 Statistics Act, which did not permit any access to census records at any time. However, the Statistics Act 1993 repealed the 1926 and 1946 Acts and provided for the release of census forms from the 1926 census and all later censuses 100 years after the date of the relevant census. The 100-year period strikes the right balance between facilitating legitimate historical and sociological research while protecting the confidentiality of census data and the integrity of CSO procedures. The CSO considers that any amendments to the 1993 Statistics Act to allow for the early release of the census data before 100 years have passed could seriously undermine public confidence in the CSO and damage the credibility of the present day confidentiality guarantee.
The confidentiality of all statistical returns from individuals, households and business, including the 1926 census records, is guaranteed by law, and this guarantee is the cornerstone of all CSO surveys, not least of censuses of population.Independence, objectivity and the guarantee of confidentiality are the core values of official statistics which have helped create a positive image of, and ensure public trust in, official statistics in Ireland. Any action that could lead to a weakening of that public trust would be detrimental, not just to the census of population but also to the broader activities of the CSO covering areas such as economic, business and social statistics. Concerns about data protection are increasing all the time and it is vitally important the CSO maintains the trust of all sectors of the community in this regard.
In addition to the legal and confidentiality issues, practical issues arise. Extensive preparatory work is required to prepare the 1926 census returns for digitisation as no database-microfilm exists, as was the case for the 1901 and 1911 censuses project.
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht established a 1926 census working group, comprising officials from the relevant organisations, that is, that Department, the National Archives and the Central Statistics Office, to consider how best to enable the publication of the 1926 census records.
The task of preserving and digitising the 100 year old documents would have to be undertaken by the National Archives. There is a three stage process, as follows: one, conservation of the 100 year old census forms; two, scanning; and three, indexing and digitising the information so that people can quickly identify and find the specific information they seek.
The project will require significant additional financial, staffing and infrastructural resources in the National Archives. The archives are working towards building the necessary capacity to undertake and oversee the census, including a warehouse development plan and increasing its cohort of archivists as funding allows. As the necessary capacity is being acquired, the census project will be a priority for the National Archives once the decade of commemorations projects have been completed.
For the reasons outlined, while the Government fully understands the importance of the 1926 census, regrettably, it is not possible to facilitate the early release of these records.
Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
It is disappointing. Even with regard to the Minister of State's own brief, the 15 year period would have enormous cultural and linguistic significance in that the Gaeltacht areas were much more extensive with Irish speakers existing in counties that today have no Gaeltachtaí within their borders, and yet the Irish language and culture had the backing of the new State.
I am concerned about this black hole in our nation's memory as we move through the centenary celebrations. It is similar to the lack of progress around a digital legal deposit which means future researchers will not have the ability to research current issues, such as the campaigns on the referendum for civil marriage equality and repeal of the eighth referendum, where websites disappear within 100 days. There are parallels in the lack of progress on these issues.
Would it be possible to meet officials in the Department to discuss the issue? As I mentioned, I have a Bill on the Order Paper which seeks to create a special status around this legislation. I would be interested in following this up in a meeting with officials in the Department, if that was possible.
Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I would be happy to facilitate that. The CSO has expressed an interest in meeting Senator Warfield as well. It would be happy to meet him to discuss the matter. I will make that arrangement with my Department officials.