The Census Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 (1969 c. 8 (N.I.)) is an act of the Parliament of Northern Ireland, concerning the census. The act shares similarities with the Census Act 1920 which provides for censuses in England, Scotland, and Wales. It remains the primary legislation for conducting censuses in Northern Ireland.
Background Before the passage of the act, there had never been a voluntary question within the census in Northern Ireland.
Provisions In 1984, it was determined by the Director of Public Prosecutions, that magistrates' courts have no jurisdiction to hear prosecutions brought under section 7(2)(a) the act, because these complaints are required to be brought within 6 months of the commission of the offence.
Schedule The schedule to the act lists the 'Matters in respect of which particulars may be required'. They are: Names, sex, age. Occupation, profession, trade or employment. Nationality, birthplace, race, language. Place of abode and character of dwelling. Condition as to marriage, relation to head of family, issue. Education, professional and technical qualifications. Religion. Any other matters with respect to which it is desirable to obtain statistical information with a view to ascertaining the social condition of the population.
See also Census in the United Kingdom
References
External links NI 2001 Census Evaluation Report – Legislation, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency