New questions on the Census Pilot Survey 2018
The Census Pilot Survey is used to test new and changed questions in advance of the next census, which will take place in 2021. New work practices and processes are tested also. Looking at the statistics resulting from the Census Pilot Survey will be one of the main deciding factors in Census 2021 form content. Therefore, we value hugely the help the people in participating households give us by completing the Pilot Survey form. There are two main forms in use in the Pilot Survey, Form A and Form B. Both forms contain new/changed questions. Form A maintains the same wording as the Census 2016 forms, while Form B includes different versions of the questions which will allow us to do comparisons between the data gathered.
New question topics include renewable energy sources, smoke alarms, smoking, volunteering, childcare, home working and citizenship. These topics were selected as a result of a public consultation process. Examples of the new questions are included below. Forms in Detail page will give further information on all of the questions on the forms.
Renewable energy usage in our homes is becoming a very significant part of our overall energy consumption.
Having working smoke alarms is recognised as a key factor in helping to reduce fires and fire damage. The answers to this question will help us asssess the use of smoke alarms in our homes.
Your answer to this question will help us to better understand the extent to which our native language is used in our homes.
This information will help us to identify changes in housing tenure in particular the numbers of people owning/renting their home in each area.
The answers will help to analyse the influence of growing up in an Irish-language household and on the use of the language and fluency in using it in later life.
Smoking is an important factor in people’s health status and your answers here will help to provide a picture of the prevalence of smoking in our population.
Volunteers make a vital contribution to many organisations across the country. Your answer(s) will provide a picture of the numbers of volunteers as well as the areas and types of organisations in which they volunteer.
Answers to this question will help provide a clearer picture of the types of childcare being used today.
Information on the citizenship of the people living in Ireland is an important part of understanding our changing society. It helps to better understand patterns of migration.
Your answers will provide important information which will help us to understand the return journey home from work/school/college/childcare to give a fuller picture for transport analysis. This will help us to better understand and plan for transport and childcare needs in your area and nationally.
Your answers will help us to put together a picture of the numbers of people who work from home, and how often they do so. This will help us to better understand working patterns, which is an important part of the economic picture of our country.
To view all the questions on both Census Pilot Survey forms click here.