IDS Frequently Asked Questions

Irish Disability Survey (IDS) is a voluntary nationwide survey of individuals carried out by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under Section 24 of the Statistics Act, 1993.

This important survey collects information about various areas of a participant's life.

About the Irish Disability Survey

What is the Irish Disability Survey?

The Irish Disability Survey (IDS) is a voluntary survey of individuals, carried out by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under Section 24 of the Statistics Act, 1993. The Irish Disability Survey collects information about various areas of life and experiences of both disabled people and people without disabilities. For example, it will provide information on participants use of health services, education, transport, and employment. 

The facts we get directly from you, through the Irish Disability Survey, can be used to inform disability related policy. For example, the data can also inform on how existing funding should be allocated, or where and when disability services are needed most. 

We need as many people as possible to take part to ensure the data that we collect represents the lives and experiences of everyone in Ireland. We will interview disabled people and people without disabilities, to ensure our data reflects the number of disabled people in Ireland.

What types of questions are on the Irish Disability Survey?

The IDS survey includes questions on various topics, including:

• Functional difficulties, such as a difficulty walking, seeing, or learning 
• Use or need of health services
• Use of public transport services
• Factors that prevent participation in social activities
• Factors that prevent participation in employment or education

Why have you used the term “disabled person”?

Language is very important to all of us. Using appropriate language can guide us in how we support the rights of disabled people. It is also important to acknowledge that language preferences can change and evolve.

We use “identity first” language in the Irish Disability Survey. We describe someone as a “disabled person” rather than saying “a person with a disability”. This preference was clearly stated in engagement with Disabled Persons’ Organisations during development of the survey. The term “disabled people” is recognised by many within the disability rights movement in Ireland as aligning with the social model and human rights approach to disability. This acknowledges the fact that disabled people are disabled by various barriers that may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

We also recognise that others may prefer the term “people or persons with disabilities”. This term reflects an understanding that they are first and foremost human beings entitled to human rights. We also acknowledge that some people do not identify with either term. 

Where can I find more information about the survey development?

The IDS is currently in the development phase. This means we are not currently collecting information from participants. The survey will be piloted in Q4 2026 and into Q1 2027, where we will be testing questions and the survey design ahead of the main field collection in 2028.

Please see the section on survey development for further information on what is involved in the development phase.

Confidentiality

What about confidentiality?

Confidentiality is a core value of the CSO. All CSO staff are designated as Officers of Statistics under Section 20(a) of the Statistics Act, 1993. This means every staff member is legally bound to uphold the confidentiality of the data they have access to. The CSO does not share any identifiable personal data with any third party. Your data and confidentiality are protected by law. In limited cases, data is shared with approved researchers under strict conditions in a way where identities are protected. We only use your data for statistical purposes. That means we remove all identifying information such as your name and your specific address. We use broad information such as the general area where you live e.g., Dublin, sex, and then group up (aggregate) this data so nobody is identifiable from the data provided.

As well as the strict legal protections in the Statistics Act, 1993, the CSO must ensure compliance with the data protection requirements in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act, 2018. The Data Protection Transparency Notice for the survey can be accessed on our website.

How will the CSO publish the results of the Irish Disability Survey?

The CSO will publish the results on our website and on our social media channels. We will use percentages and trends to tell the story behind the Irish Disability Survey. We will broadly outline the characteristics of the people who responded.

Under the Statistics Act, 1993, the CSO may grant access to non-aggregated data files under strict conditions, for scientific and statistical purposes only. Registered researchers can therefore access these files to undertake academic and policy-related research which is then published at aggregate level.

Any Other Questions

If my question is not answered here, who do I contact for more information?

If you have any questions about the survey, you can call us at 021 453 5110 or email us at CSOTakePart@cso.ie.

You can also find more information about the survey on the CSO website or on our social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook or X (Twitter).