Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Taoiseach his plans to carry out the next national census on schedule in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23670/12]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Census 2011 took place on 10th April 2011 and the first definitive results of that census were published on 29th March 2012, less than one year after Census Day. This publication, entitled , is the first of two volumes of highlights from the 2011 census data and presents results on overall population change. It includes high-level analysis across a range of themes including geographic distribution, age, marital status, households and families, migration, nationality, foreign languages, ethnicity, Irish language, religion and housing. A second volume of highlights, due for release in June, will present an overview of socioeconomic results.

On foot of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, the CSO recommended that the need for a census in 2016 be subject to review, an approach which was endorsed by the Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. A review was undertaken during the latter part of 2011 when the CSO consulted with a range of users to establish how census data is being used and to seek views on the need for a census in 2016. The CSO also reviewed various implementation options for conducting a census. The outcome of the consultation with users and review of implementation options for Census 2016 will be considered by Government shortly.

The Government is committed to the publication of accurate and timely statistics and is aware of the value of statistics to informed decision making in Ireland. The availability of good quality statistics has an important role to play in advancing policy priorities.