Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 179: To ask the Taoiseach if he plans to introduce amending legislation to the Statistics Act 1993 in order to reduce the closure period applying to the 1926 census data of 100 years in section 35 to a new level of either 50 or 70 years in the interests of social research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36951/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Censuses of Population between 1926 and 1991 inclusive were carried out under the 1926 Statistics Act which did not permit any access to Census records, at any time. However, the 1993 Statistics Act repealed the 1926 and 1946 Statistics Acts and provided for the release of census forms for these Censuses 100 years after the date of the relevant Census. This is also the situation for censuses held from 1996 onwards.

When this provision was debated in the Seanad at the time, the view was expressed that the proposed 100 years period should be reduced to 75, or even 50 years in the interests of genealogical research. However, while the retrospective introduction of the 100 years exemption was seen by some as undermining the original guarantee given to householders, it was generally accepted that 100 years was a reasonable compromise in all the circumstances, including having regard to life expectancy considerations. It is important to bear in mind that the confidentiality of all statistical returns from individuals, households and business is guaranteed by law, and this guarantee is the cornerstone of all CSO surveys, not least Censuses of Population.

I am satisfied that the 100 years period provided for in the 1993 Act strikes the right balance in facilitating legitimate historical and sociological research on the one hand, while the protecting the confidentiality of Census data and the integrity of CSO procedures on the other. Accordingly I have no plans to amend the Statistics Act 1993 in relation to this provision.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Taoiseach the population, classified by Garda district, of the Dublin metropolitan area, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Meath, Louth and Kildare at both the 2002 and 2006 census. [37050/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The most recent information in respect of Garda Districts is from the 2006 census. The table provides data on the Dublin metropolitan area, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Meath, Louth and Kildare districts. An equivalent population breakdown by Garda District for the 2002 census is not available.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 181: To ask the Taoiseach the proportion of the labour force employed by fully owned Irish enterprises. [36802/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The exact information that the Deputy has requested is not available. It is not possible to determine the number of fully owned Irish enterprises in the State from the information made available to the CSO. However in a number of CSO annual business surveys, enterprises are asked to outline the location of the ultimate beneficial owner. The corresponding information is provided below for enterprises with 20 or more employees for the Industry, Services and Construction Sectors for 2005 (the most recent year for which information is available). The Services Sector excludes enterprises in the financial, public, health and education sectors.

In a number of CSO annual business surveys, enterprises are asked to outline the location of the ultimate beneficial owner of the enterprise. The corresponding information is provided below for enterprises with 20 or more employees for the Industry, Services and Construction Sectors for 2005 (the most recent year for which information is available).

The Services Sector excludes enterprises in the financial, public, health and education sectors.