Census

The census is a detailed account of everybody who is in the country on Census Night. On this night everybody's details are entered on a census form. The census counts everybody so that we know how many people are in the country and we can analyse any changes that have occurred since the previous population counts.

As well as being able to establish our population size, a number of different questions relating to households and individuals are asked in the census. This allows us to find out things such as how people get to work, what sort of accommodation we live in, how many people are in each occupation group and lots more.

Who conducts the Census?

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) conducted the 2006 Census, as usual.

The CSO is an independent Office established in 1949. It operates under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach to guarantee its statistical independence and the confidentiality of the data it collects.

Work involved

The census is a major undertaking for the CSO. It is the largest and most exacting statistical operation organised by the CSO.

More about exactly what is involved can be found on the 'Work involved' page.