CENSUS AWARENESS AND THE IRISH COMMUNITY

That this House notes that Census data inform millions of decisions made by public authorities and businesses trying to meet consumer demand for goods and services and distribute resources fairly; further notes that under-counting of particular groups may neglect demand and overlook the needs of the weak and vulnerable; notes also that shortcomings of the last Census led up to half a million people of Irish descent to think the Irish tick box did not apply to them; believes that misleading figures have resulted in health issues specific to the Irish community going undiagnosed and in demand for Irish culture, media and sports being under-estimated and the needs of Irish elders neglected; consequently welcomes the Census Awareness initiative How Irish Are You? launched by the Federation of Irish Societies to provide information targeted at recent migrants and those of Irish descent; and urges the Government to encourage Irish community and other voluntary sector groups in their efforts to promote the national Census.