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The Future Provision of Census of Population Information for Northern Ireland

Date published: 27 October 2014

Statistics: Census 2021,  Census 2021 background

On 27 October 2014 NISRA published indicative proposals for a 2021 Census.

Overview

This information paper outlines NISRA’s vision for the 2021 Census, focusing on modernising census-taking through digital methods and administrative data, while maintaining high-quality, inclusive population statistics.

NISRA proposes a modern, cost-effective, and inclusive approach to the 2021 Census, combining digital innovation with administrative data and traditional methods. This hybrid model aims to maintain the integrity and utility of census data while adapting to societal and technological changes.

Supporting documents

A number of supporting research papers were published alongside this report on:

  • The use of administrative data in population estimates – exploring how government-held data can support or supplement census estimates
  • Online data collection in the census – exploring digital response methods
  • Data matching using Northern Ireland administrative data – demonstrating techniques for linking datasets to improve population estimates

Documents

  • The Future Provision of Census of Population Information for Northern Ireland Adobe PDF (906 KB)

Help viewing documents

Last updated: 27 May 2025

Links

  • Official Statistics producer – Upholding Trust, Quality and Value
  • General Register Office - registration and certification of life events relating to births, deaths and marriages
  • nidirect.gov.uk – the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens
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