Back row from left: Noel Keane, Rathanny; Patrick O’Grady, Kilmanihan; James O’Connell, Laccabawn; Pauline Gleasure, Kilflynn; Paul Murphy, Ballyhar; Michael Curtin, Tournafulla; John Payne, Aghadoe and Michael Ward Castleisland.
Absent at the time the photograph was taken were: Mick Long Coolick and Cathriona Heffernan, Coolick. ©Photograph: John Reidy 22-3-2016
Training for Census 2016 enumerators for this area has been ongoing at the North, East & West Kerry Development buildings at The Crageens for the past few weeks and Census night is Sunday, April 24th 2016.
When training is complete they will be tasked with collecting all the information about population trends and other valuable data about the country we live in on that given date.
This body of work represents an extremely valuable part of Irish heritage. It also becomes an invaluable resource for genealogists, local historians and other scholars. Census for years past are only now realising their full potential.
Diaspora of 70 Million
Also, with an Irish diaspora of an estimated 70 million people in all parts of the globe, this information will be of enormous interest well beyond the borders of where it was and is yet to be collected.
According to the Central Statistics Office, the Census 2016, enumerators will be given a record book and a map which will contain the dwellings in their area. The enumerators must carry out a visual survey of their area and verify the location of all the dwellings listed in their record book; they must also locate and mark on the map any dwellings not already listed.
For people worried about answering the knock at the door in rural areas the enumerators will be equipped with clear and official identity cards.
They will be trained in all aspects of the job and be provided with all the materials required to do the work, including a mobile phone, calling cards, a high-visibility jacket and a satchel etc.
Before Census Day
A census form must be delivered to each household and establishment where people may be residing before census day. Every person present in the household on census night must be enumerated on a census form.
The collection of the census forms begins the morning after census day to ensure collection from transient populations in hotels, guesthouses etc. Repeated call-backs to private dwellings are often necessary as householders may be absent at the time of the first call. The enumerator is required to check the census form for completeness at the doorstep and enquire further regarding any obvious omissions. The collection stage usually takes three to four weeks to complete.
Population Summary
Following the collection stage, the enumerator must compile a population summary for their assigned area and return the census forms via his/her field supervisor.
An Enumerator is required to: Follow all instructions issued by the CSO; Be able to read maps; Be capable of doing both vertical and cross tots – required for summarisation; Keep accurate records of the time spent on and the progress of the fieldwork.
Responsibilities will inclide: Delivery and collection of Census forms in local areas; Work involves direct contact with public; Requires tact, consideration and patience to win the confidence and co-operation of householders.
Typical Earnings for Enumerators
Remuneration will be on a fee / allowance basis. Enumerators can expect to typically earn €2,400 on average, for their work during this 10 week period, made up as follows: Weekly advance: €100 – paid in arrears; Training allowance: €200; Fees per forms delivered/collected: Variable; Summarisation: €230; Terminal Bonus: €445; Home storage allowance: €140; Sunday and bank holiday work allowance: €210; Travel Allowance: Variable; Enumeration Area usually comprises about 400 households.
An easy to follow outline of what Census 2016 is all about can be found with a click on the link here: http://census.ie
