Some 5,000 staff working for the Central Statistic's Office will begin distributing Census 2011 forms to all 1.8 million households across the State from tomorrow.
Everyone who is in the State on Sunday April 10th must fill in the forms, which include a range of questions aimed at creating a comprehensive picture of the social and living conditions in the State.
The forms request a range of personal information including; the names of occupants; age; martial status ethnic background; religon; and occupation. They also ask some some more detailed questions about people's accommodation, health and education.
Aidan Punch, assistant director general of the CSO, said a new question included in this year's census on a person's general health could provide important State-wide data on health needs.
He said the census data was an invaluable tool for Government and communities to help plan for the the provision of services that are required in their local areas.
People who are not at home but are on holiday or business in Ireland staying at hotels or guesthouses must fill out the form and alert the 5,000 enumerators of where they will be on the night.
People who are holidaying abroad or are on business overseas on April 10th do not have to fill in the census 2011 forms and should tell their enumerator when they drop off the census forms.
Failure to complete the form by anyone present in the State on census night can result in prosecution and a maximum fine of some €25,000.
Mr Punch said there had been a small number of prosecutions just to show people how serious the whole census process is.
The 5,000 enumerators will begin distributing Census 2011 forms to 1.8 million households across the State from tomorrow.
These must be filled out and signed by all members of a household on Sunday April 10th.
The census enumerators will return to pick up the forms a few days later.