About Us

Introduction

The CSO is the principal compiler and publisher of official statistics in Ireland. It operates under the Statistics Act, 1993 and collects considerable amounts of information directly from people, households and businesses in both statutory and voluntary surveys. The Statistics Act, 1993 gives the CSO the authority to assess the statistical potential of the records maintained by other public authorities and to ensure that this potential is realised; therefore, the CSO has indirect access on a statutory basis to data on individuals and businesses collected for administrative purposes. The credibility and reputation of the CSO depends on maximising the value and utility of the data available to it, while at the same time protecting the confidentiality of the individual persons and businesses supplying the data.