Census

• Question 3

From the responses to Question 3 it is possible to build up a picture of the changing family situation in Ireland. In previous censuses persons were asked to give their relationship to Person 1 only. While this adequately catered for the most prevalent family types in most households, it did not cater for second families within the one household or the more atypical type of families, for instance where step-children are involved.
In the current formulation Persons 2 to 5 are required to give their relationship to the person(s) previously listed while for households consisting of 6 or more persons, Persons 6 and higher are required to give their relationship to Persons 1 to 4 only. This was done for reasons of space on the form. This layout will enable each of the families in a multigenerational household to be accurately distinguished. Information in relation to families which have been reconstituted following the break-up of previous marriages can also be determined.

The results based on the responses to this question will allow the changing nature of families in Ireland to be charted and will help to plan housing and social welfare programmes.

The example at the back of the Household Form shows how to complete the relationship question for a household consisting of:
Helen Murphy, her husband Thomas, their daughter Catherine
and grandchild Aoife (Catherine's daughter).