Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 9th, 2027, is the date for Ireland's next census. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to propose this date to the Cabinet, setting the stage for a comprehensive national headcount. This critical undertaking, typically occurring every five years since 1946, offers a vital snapshot of the nation. However, the last census was conducted in 2022 due to the Covid pandemic. This means the next one will be held 5 years after the last one.
The upcoming census will embrace modern technology, with an online form option, and will now focus on where people normally reside, rather than their location on census night. This shift reflects evolving societal norms and aims for a more accurate representation of the population. Furthermore, following the successful implementation in the previous census, a 'time capsule' feature will be included again, allowing respondents to leave personal messages for future generations.
But here's where it gets interesting: the proposal is being brought forward on behalf of Minister Mary Butler. The Cabinet meeting promises to be packed with other important discussions, too.
Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, will update the Cabinet on the recent outbreaks of avian flu and the measures being taken to support poultry farmers. A housing order for all poultry and captive birds in the country was implemented on Monday due to the high risk from bird flu. The confirmation of a third outbreak of bird flu on a commercial turkey farm in less than a week highlights the severity of the situation.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will present the Urgent and Emergency Care report, revealing an 8% reduction in 8 am trolley figures.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris will brief the Government on the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada. The Tánaiste will also provide an update on Ireland's participation at the G20, as the Taoiseach prepares to travel for the leaders' summit in South Africa later this month.
Minister for Media Patrick O’Donovan will seek Cabinet approval to draft the legislation of a Gigabit Infrastructure Bill, which aims to make broadband faster, cheaper, and more effective.
MetroLink: A Major Infrastructure Project
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien will seek Cabinet approval to establish a new body to deliver Dublin's MetroLink project. This procedural step precedes the preparation of a 'General Scheme of a Bill,' which will formally establish the body. The minister is expected to seek government approval for the legislation early next year. MetroLink is slated to be one of Ireland’s largest infrastructure projects, featuring an 18.8km railway line, largely underground, connecting Charlemont near Dublin city centre to Swords Estuary. In September, the Taoiseach emphasized that the MetroLink budget would be closely monitored, with the expectation that the project will be delivered on time and within budget.
Strengthening Consumer Protection
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke will bring a memo to the Cabinet to strengthen the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The proposed measures include granting the CCPC stronger powers to impose penalties for competition law breaches. The memorandum specifically outlines new tools to tackle bid-rigging.
De Chastelain Scholarship Programme: A Bridge to Peace
Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless will seek Cabinet approval for a financial contribution towards establishing the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme for 2025 to 2029. The proposal, initiated by the Ireland-Canada University Foundation, is to be jointly funded by the Irish and Canadian governments. From November 1995, Canadian officer John de Chastelain played a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process. From 1997 to 2011, he chaired the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, which ensured paramilitaries in Northern Ireland put their weapons beyond use. The new scholarship program will be open to applicants from all disciplines, with proposals expected to contribute meaningfully to themes of peace and reconciliation. The Canadian government has committed the equivalent of €400,000 to run the program for four years, contingent on matching funding from the Irish Government. The program will begin in 2026 and support a total of 28 scholars.
What do you think about the proposed date for the next census? Do you have any thoughts on the other topics discussed, such as the MetroLink project or the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme? Share your opinions in the comments below!
