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We are building the new website for Census 2022.  The website will have a wide range of information on the next census. 

Census 2022 – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Census?

The census is a count, and account, of everybody in Ireland on Census Night. Everyone in the country on Census Night must be included on a census form and be part of the official count of people and dwellings.

When is our next Census?

Our next census will take place on Sunday 3 April 2022. It was postponed from April 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Who carries out the Census?

The census is organised by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). For Census 2022, CSO is recruiting a temporary field force of  5,600 people to carry out the census at local and regional level.

Why do we have a Census?

Census results are important in planning our future services at community, local and national level including healthcare, education, transport and housing. 

Is it compulsory?

Yes. Everybody present in the country on Census Night must be included. This is the law [Statistics Act 1993, Statistics (Census of Population) Order 2020].

Is my information secure?

Yes. CSO values and protects the information you provide to us on your census form. It is secure and protected by law.  All staff involved in the Census are Officers of Statistics and are legally bound by the Statistics Act 1993 to protect the confidentiality of your data.  We are also GDPR compliant.

The CSO only publishes grouped anonymous data in the form of statistics.  Your completed census form will be securely stored for 100 years, after which it will become publicly available, in line with the Statistics Act.

How do I participate in Census 2022?

A census enumerator will visit your home between late February and 3 April 2022 to deliver your census form. They will return to collect your completed form between 4 April and early May 2022. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about your form / the census. All census enumerators will carry CSO/Census 2022 ID cards.

I would like to work on Census 2022 – are jobs still available?

Yes. We will be recruiting 466 Field Supervisors from 26 August, and 5,100 Census Enumerators from 25 November. Applications for both roles can only be made on this website.

I would like to know more about Census 2022 – where can I get more information?

We are currently developing a new website, Census.ie for next year’s census. It will be online towards the end of the year and will include a range of information, advice and assistance. You can also contact us at census@cso.ie / censuspublicity@cso.ie.