Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 13, 2024 9:13 am GMT
For the first time in Irish history, households across Dublin and Offaly have the opportunity to participate in a Census Pilot Survey online. This unprecedented move allows selected households to complete the census form digitally, marking a significant step forward in how census data is gathered and processed.
What is the Census Pilot Survey?
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is conducting the Census Pilot Survey as a way to test new questions and assess the functionality of online submissions. Scheduled for this Sunday, September 22, the survey is voluntary and aims to prepare the groundwork for Census 2027.
Eileen Murphy, Head of Census Administration, explained that this pilot “is a dress rehearsal,” striving to pinpoint what works and what does not. She added, “Anyone who doesn’t get the form can opt-in online,” emphasizing the inclusivity of this initiative.
How Can Households Participate?
While formal invitations have been sent to selected households in specific areas of Dublin and Offaly, anyone can opt in until Sunday through the website censuspilot.ie. Here’s how participation breaks down:
- Voluntary Online Submission: Initially designed to include 44 locations across six counties, the survey is accessible to anyone willing to partake.
- Availability of Paper Forms: For those who prefer traditional methods, paper forms in both Irish and English are available.
- Support Systems: Census Field Support Officers will visit selected areas next week, helping residents understand the survey process.
In Dublin, households in parts of Artane, Ballymun, Beaumont, Clontarf, Drumcondra, Glasnevin, Raheny, and Swords have received invitations. Similarly, in Offaly, residents in areas like Ferbane, Kilcormac, and Tullamore are being encouraged to participate.
The Importance of Feedback
The feedback collected from this pilot survey will be crucial for the CSO as it seeks to understand public experiences with the online and paper forms. Participants are asked to provide insights on how easy the questions are to understand, a vital component for the accuracy and relevance of future census data.
- Device Diversity: Preliminary responses have come from a mix of devices, with nearly half of participants using smartphones and the other half on laptops or desktops.
- Public Consultation: The questions included in this pilot were shaped by a public consultation, ensuring they resonate with the diverse population of Ireland.
New Questions in the Census
This Census Pilot Survey will introduce several new questions to better reflect societal changes. These include:
- Car Parking Habits: Inquiring where household cars are parked overnight to assess the placement of electric vehicle chargers.
- Gender and Sex: Asking whether individuals identify the same or differently from their registered sex at birth.
- Sexual Orientation: Introducing a question about respondents’ sexual orientation.
- Mental Health: Allowing individuals to self-report their mental health status.
The analysis of these questions will guide recommendations for the Census 2027 form, ensuring that it keeps pace with societal changes.
Looking Ahead: Census 2027
The broader purpose of the Census Pilot Survey is to prepare for the national census scheduled for 2027. By testing these varied approaches and questions, the CSO aims to ensure that the upcoming census accurately captures the evolving landscape of Irish society.
The pilot is part-funded by the European Union under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, highlighting its significance not just for individual households but also for understanding the demographic trends that shape Ireland’s future.
Conclusion
As households prepare to contribute to this historic Census Pilot Survey, the importance of their participation cannot be overstated. Engaging with this process allows residents in both Dublin and Offaly to have a say in how their communities are represented in future census counts.
The Chief Scientific Officer hopes this pilot program will lead to better ways of collecting data. They want to make sure that future national surveys are open, inclusive, and involve everyone. Your thoughts and opinions can help create a clearer understanding of today’s Irish society. This is a team effort that’s really important! Whether you got an invitation or chose to join on your own, your voice is important in helping shape the future of Ireland.
