Census Awareness And The Irish Community

EDM number 1479 in 2010-12, proposed by Chris Ruane on 28/02/2011.

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.

This motion has been signed by a total of 27 MPs.