Written answers

Tuesday, 26 April 2016

Department of An Taoiseach

Census of Population Data

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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1. To ask the Taoiseach if he is aware of the numerous incidents whereby the address assigned to individual households as listed on census forms, and which correspond with the property's designated Eircode, have been found to be incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete; his views on the impact such an error may have in terms of the accuracy and reliability of the data collected in Census 2016; if he will initiate a public information campaign to alert householders of this possible error prior to census night in order to give all those affected the opportunity to amend individual forms, as appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8367/16]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The addresses used in the census have been extracted from the Geodirectory, the An Post national address database, by the CSO. These addresses are listed in record books for use by enumerators, who write the address on the front of the form before handing it over to the householder.

In a small number of instances the address in the record book may be different to that used by the householder. This can happen for a number of reasons but in all instances the enumerators are instructed to record the address as provided by the householder onto the form, and into their record book. A reminder circular issued to all 5,144 field staff with regards to this early on in the campaign.

All dwellings in the census are also identified by way of an x, y coordinate and it is these coordinates that are used to create census outputs, and place dwellings in the correct Electoral Divisions etc. for the compilation of census outputs. Addresses are not used in the creation of census outputs so any disparities that have been found in census addresses have no impact on the outputs census will produce.

As part of their delivery routine enumerators have also written the Eircode of the dwelling onto the census form. These Eircodes were extracted from the Geodirectory, along with the addresses, and in some instances may differ from those provided by Eircode.ie. Census enumerators have been instructed to advise the householder to check back with Eircode.ie if they have any queries regarding the correct Eircode for their particular dwelling.

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