On three separate occasions I have raised an issue concerning pending legislation in this House. I would appreciate it if I could get an answer today. I asked the Taoiseach as far back as February, and I again asked the Tánaiste about it last month. It is about a commitment in the programme for Government to introduce legislation to publish the 1926 census. The last time I raised this matter, I wished The Gathering initiative well. Earlier today, the former ambassador for cultural affairs, Mr. Gabriel Byrne, criticised the Government and said the initiative was a scam. He said the Government was only interested in the shake-down of the Irish diaspora. The 1926 census was supposed to be published so that those coming here for The Gathering in 2013 could trace their roots. When will this legislation be published? Can the Taoiseach give confidence to the Irish diaspora that he means more than simply having a shake-down to take the last few pounds from them?

With respect to our very eminent former ambassador for culture, Mr. Gabriel Byrne, I disagree with him when he says that all Ireland is interested in is a shake-down of people coming here. The Irish-American diaspora represents about half our worldwide diaspora. This is a credible national proposition to invite people back here in 2013, not just for the traditional purpose of hoping they will spend money, but to have an enjoyable and beneficial experience. Those who wish to find out where their antecedents came from should have that opportunity.

I do not have the publication date for the 1926 census, but there is a considerable cost involved. The Department is dealing with two main issues. One is to put in place the necessary statutory power to enable the project to proceed, while taking account of the current 100-year confidentiality rule under which the Central Statistics Office collects its data. In other words, one is not supposed to publish the data until 100 years have passed.

The second issue is to find a method of funding the project in the absence of Exchequer funding. I am advised by the Department that the 1901 and 1911 census projects cost just under €5 million and that they were funded by the Exchequer. The 1926 census project is estimated to cost a multiple of this figure. Obviously, the Department is examining the possibility of its options in this regard.

I disagree with our eminent former ambassador for culture. I cannot give the Deputy an exact date as to when the census will be published.

I call Deputy Niall Collins.

On a point of order-----

There is no point of order.

I ask for your assistance, a Cheann Comhairle. On three separate occasions I was told that the information would be provided to me, but it has not been.

This is the fourth one.

When will the legislation be brought forward? The Minister has said it was approved by Cabinet as far back as March. Will it be brought forward this year or next year?

Hold on a second. The Taoiseach has answered the question.

He has not answered that one.

The Deputy should table a parliamentary question in order that he can get a detailed answer.

It has been put off time and again.

I can give the Deputy the details in order that he can read them at his leisure.

That is the fourth time the Taoiseach has said that.

Four times.