Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey

An omnibus survey is a sample survey which contains questions about a wide range of issues.

The Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey is carried out on a regular basis and is designed to provide a snapshot of the lifestyle and views of the people of Northern Ireland.  By providing instant information about all the sections of the population, the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey will enable government and others to identify community views and quickly make the decisions which are necessary for the needs and wishes of the community to be met.

The Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey presents an excellent opportunity for each person interviewed to put their point of view and hence make a direct and immediate contribution to Government policy and thinking.

Some uses of the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey

This survey of topical issues allows Government to monitor the views of a representative sample of the people of Northern Ireland.  By seeing what people want, Government can then shape policy to accommodate the needs and wishes of the population.

The content of the survey varies from quarter to quarter.  Some sections will appear every quarter, for example sections on household structure, housing and employment.  These regular sections will provide up to date information which will help to identify the needs and characteristics of particular groups in society such as one parent families, the unemployed and the elderly.

Other special sections will appear in the survey only occasionally, depending on what issues are topical at the time.  For example, questions on road safety, disability and child immunisation.  The information from these sections go directly to the Government bodies responsible for these areas. 

Results

Clients can receive statistical output and databases or both. Statistical output consists of tables showing the results by certain variables asked for by the client. These include age, gender, religion, socio-economic group, area (ie.Belfast, East of the Province, West of the Province), Urban/Rural area. Client may then wish to publish the results themselves.