The future of census and population statistics in Northern Ireland: NISRA recommendation
Date published:
NISRA sets out its strategic vision for the future of census and population statistics in Northern Ireland with the publication of a recommendation paper.
About the publication
NISRA has today released a recommendation paper outlining its vision for the future of census and population statistics in Northern Ireland.
In its newly published paper, NISRA recommends that a full Census of Population and Housing be conducted in 2031. This recommendation reflects the continued need for high-quality, granular data – as well as user needs for data on ethnicity, national identity, religion, and marital status to support equality monitoring.
The paper also reflects on the challenges of data collection activities, noting that administrative data can assist with quality, cost effectiveness and reducing respondent burden. As such, a recommendation is also made that government provides its full support to NISRA in facilitating safe access to the necessary administrative data required to underpin the successful design and implementation of a census in 2031.
It comes alongside similar recommendations made today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and National Records of Scotland (NRS), who are responsible for census statistics in England and Wales, and Scotland respectively.
Dr Philip Wales, Registrar General and Chief Executive of NISRA, commented:
“The recent census in 2021 was hugely successful, achieving a record household response rate of 97% that provides a strong evidence base for policy design and delivery. The recommendations we have put forward today present an opportunity to build on this success. Working with our partners across the statistical system, we want to design a data collection exercise in 2031 which ensures our census and population statistics remain fit for our changing society.”
Access the report
Read the full recommendation paper and learn more about NISRA’s vision.
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