Census forms filled out tonight - all you need to know…

Census forms filled out tonight - all you need to know including key mistake that may cost you €45k

Census forms have been distributed to households across Ireland and are due to be filled out tonight.

Every person present in Ireland on Sunday, April 3 is required by law to complete or be included in the form.

There are 11 household questions and 33 questions to be completed for up to six individual people.

A number of new topics have been added to the form this year, including questions on renewable energy sources, internet access and devices, smoke alarms, smoking, working from home, volunteering and childcare.

The Census is carried out by the Central Statistics Office, which has answered some commonly asked questions.

What is the Census and why do we have it?

A post on census.ie explains: “The census is a count, and account, of Ireland’s population on Census Night. By law, everyone in the country on that night must be included on a census form.

“Census data gives us vital information to help plan for homes, schools, hospitals, transport, age related services and many other services that are needed in our communities and country.

“One of the great strengths of the census is that it shows the number of people living in each region, county, town and local area in Ireland, and provides detailed population figures at each level. These help to identify the demand for services both locally and nationally.”

Do I have to do it?

Yes. It is illegal not to complete the Census form.

The legal basis for the data collection is provided by the Statistics Act 1993, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Statistics (Census of Population) Order, 2020.

What happens if I don’t do it?

You could face a fine of up to €44,440.

A warning has been blatantly written on the front of Census 2022 form alerting them of this.

The 'Legal obligation to participate' section, reads: “This is a Notice under Section 26 of the Statistics Act 1993. The Census is being taken under the Statistics Act 1993 and the Statistics (Census of Population) Order 2020.

“Under Sections 26 and 27 of the Statistics Act 1993, you are obliged by law to complete and return this form.”

Anyone found guilty of an offence under the Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine up to €2,500, or on conviction on indictment to a fine up to €44,440.

What do I need to know about filling it out?

There is an explanation beside all of the questions. To answer most questions, you just tick a box, or sometimes you write in your answer.

There are 24 pages in your census form. The questions in your form are in three columns. When you finish the bottom question in one column, go to the top of the next column.

For the first time this year, a Time Capsule has been included, which allows members of the public to write a voluntary and confidential message of their choice that will be securely stored for 100 years before being released.