SuperSoupy points out that the figures offered by DENI, point to a deficit in the number of Catholics who declared themselves as such the 2001 Census. SS writes:
The most recent school leaver statistics showed 20% more Catholics (12,900) than Protestants (10,800)and 1,900 others leaving school in 2005/06 only 280 ethnic kids. (table 6) Over a 1,000 Catholic children leaving school but educated outside the CCMS. 20% is a high differential for those of us who remain deeply suspicious of the census re-designation of non-respondents. It’s very interesting as the schools are reporting information that may have been left blank on census forms. 10% others not being re-labelled and a clear showing of demographics at the lower age range. I always thought the demographic aspect wasn’t as clear as the NICSA tried to make it.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty