Madam, – Peter Kavanagh points out that the census 2011 form had “no provision for a widower to enter the number of children in his family” and asks if this is an error in the design of the form or is there a rationale behind it. “Question 13 – How many children have you given birth to” is designed to whitewash fathers out of the lives of their children. It is a form of social engineering and is contrary to the Equal Status acts 2000-2004 as it discriminates against men because “This question is for women only”.
Census.ie states that “The census will give a comprehensive picture of the social and living conditions of our people in 2011. The results are essential tools for effective policy, planning and decision making purposes”. It also claims that “The household form contains questions relating to household characteristics and individuals” yet there is no provision for a father to indicate that he has, or had, children, and so widowers, along with separated and unmarried fathers, will legitimately be excluded in any future policies, plans or decisions.
This will make the Family Law courts appear fair after years of inexcusably mistreating fathers. – Yours, etc,