Census 2016 - there is still time to get a form and take part

There is still time for those who have not got a census form to have one hand-delivered to their address – no matter how remote – before Sunday’s deadline for completion, said the CSO.

It said census enumerators in all areas are on standby to deliver forms right up to tomorrow. “If you are yet to receive a census form, or if it has accidently gone into the recycling bin, please get in touch with the CSO and we will arrange for a form to be delivered to you before Sunday,” a CSO spokeswoman said.

“We are hearing from around the country that some enumerators are still having difficulty getting into apartment blocks, and that in some cases apartment dwellers do not want to answer the door.

“If you live in an apartment and have yet to receive a form, please call us today. If your enumerator has left a contact card with their phone number, please call them to arrange a time for the form to be delivered to you.”

Legal obligation

Filling in the census form is a legal obligation and those who refuse may be fined up to €25,000. But the CSO said it would prefer to encourage everybody to fill in the census on Sunday night – which it pointed out was the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1916 Rising.

Every effort is made by the CSO to ensure that everyone fulfils this responsibility, however prosecutions will be taken if necessary, the CSO said.

Addressing issues which may arise with particular questions, the CSO said, on the question of religion, people should put down the faith they honestly feel part of, or none, as opposed to writing the religion they were born into.

Away from home

“This question is not about frequency of attendance at church or other place of worship. People should answer the question based on how they feel now about their religious beliefs, if any. The question is asking about the person’s current religion or beliefs and not about the religion the person may have been brought up with,” said the spokeswoman.

While there is no specific question in relation to same-sex marriage, such information may be gleaned by reference to the gender and relationship questions.

Regarding the National Football League finals at Croke Park, Dublin, on Sunday, the CSO said those who stay overnight in Dublin will be recorded as doing so but will not be listed as Dubliners. Those who stay with family in Dublin will be recorded as visitors, while those in hotels will fill in a form which will also record their home address.

There is a helpline at LoCall 1850201604 to get help with any question on the form.