CSO phones hopping ahead of tomorrow night’s Census

THE Central Statistics Office (CSO) has said its phones were hopping all day yesterday as householders contacted officials seeking Census forms.

More than 1.3 million forms have been delivered to homes and it’s estimated that a further 200,000 have yet to be handed out.

The form should be filled out tomorrow night.

CSO officials have asked householders not to panic if they did not have a form yet as they can still be delivered. The CSO said once a phone call is made to its office, the local Census enumerator is contacted and he or she will immediately deliver a form with a cover note.

Earlier this month, the CSO highlighted the difficulties faced by enumerators who can’t gain access to apartment complexes.

Spokesman Brian King said: “We are making a last minute appeal to people living in apartment blocks to let enumerators in if they see them. Once they enter a block, they can then put forms in all the letter boxes.”

Enumerators have also experienced problems delivering forms to foreign nationals, many of whom have refused to answer the door or have hid.

“This is a difficult issue to deal as people can be frightened and uncertain about where this information is going,” Mr King said.

“All we can do is remind people that the Census is completely confidential and that, under no circumstances will information will be sent on to other government departments.”

Irish Refugee Council director Peter O’Mahony said he wouldn’t be surprised if asylum seekers weren’t answering the door.

“I believe the biggest issue here would be awareness of the Census and its purpose, as many non-nationals are quite isolated and we’ve found that many are not on top of news and current affairs here.

“They don’t have a real understanding of Irish news. If I had a worry, it would be that they don’t know about the Census,” he said.

The CSO expects that the forms will show that the population of the country has risen to 4.2m and that up to 10%, or 400,000 people, are non-nationals.

All forms are due to be collected by May 21. Failure to fill out the form can end in a fine of €25,000. This is the first census since 2002.

What is the Census?

The Census is a detailed account of every person who is in the country on Census Night, which is this Sunday, April 23.

On this night, every household must give information on every person present that night. The information is collated and used by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

* Why are so many questions asked?

The Census results are essential tools which are needed for effective policy, planning and decision-making purposes.

At national level, up-to-date population statistics are necessary for planning the provision of healthcare, education, employment, etc.

* But I don’t like the idea of giving out such personal information.

All information collected in the Census will be treated as strictly confidential by the CSO and will be used only for statistical purposes. The names of individuals will not be entered onto any computer database. No other government department or agency will have access to identifiable information relating to individuals or households.

* Is it compulsory?

Yes. Everybody present in the country on Census night must be included.

* How long will it take me to fill out my form?

It should take an average household less than 30 minutes. The forms will be collected in the month following the Census.

* Do people who are visiting the country have to be included in the Census?

Yes. The Census counts everyone, including people not usually resident in the country.

* The Local Census Helpline (1890 236 787) will be staffed to take calls as follows:

Saturday, 22 April, 9am to 8pm.

Sunday, 23 April, 9am to 6pm.