The government must undertake significant preparatory work to ensure that accurate data on gender and sexual orientation is collated after the next census, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice.
Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said:
“It is welcome news that Census 2027 will include questions on sexual orientation and gender. This important change will allow the State to measure the health, economic, educational and housing disparities faced by gender and sexual minorities. It will finally make visible what has been hidden in national data for too long.
“This has previously been called for by the OECD. In 2019, the organisation said that LGBTQ+ individuals and the penalties they face should be visible in national statistics. This, they said, is a prerequisite to their inclusion.
“However, it is regrettable that a question on sex characteristics will not be included on the census form. Currently, there is a lack of data on the number and experiences of intersex people in Ireland. A question on the census on sex characteristics could have mitigated against the dearth of this information.
“In terms of sexual orientation and gender, preparatory work must begin now to address concerns around confidentiality and fear of disclosure, which could result in under-reporting.
“Some members of the LGBTQ+ community may not be out to their family, may not be out to members of their household, or may not be out to the wider community.
“Many lack trust in the State and its systems – in particular, older members of the community still dealing with the legacy of criminalisation of homosexuality.
“Everyone in a household fills out one shared census form, and this presents serious problems for those who may not be out.
“The online option for Census 2027 will help allay some of these concerns – but not for those who lack digital literacy or access to technology.
“Ahead of 2027, research must be undertaken to provide a better understanding of the complex issues involved to ensure it informs how the CSO interprets and analyses the subsequent census data.”
November 20, 2025