People across the country are being reminded of their obligation to take part in this year's census.

The Central Statistics Office will begin distributing forms this week with the survey of households set to be conducted on the night of April 24th.

All citizens who are in the country on the night - including those sleeping rough - must complete a form.

The 2016 census will cost €54 million to conduct including the analysing of results over the course of three years.

Deirdre Cullen, Head Statistician with the CSO, says there will be prosecutions for those who don't cooperate: