I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 118 and 214 together.
I would like to advise the House that the National Archives, the National Library of Ireland, and the Irish Manuscripts Commission are distinct institutions, established under various legislative acts. Accordingly, the merger of these organisations will require primary legislation.
As I stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 84 on 19th November 2008, the corporate, legislative and accommodation positions of each of the Institutions is being examined with a view to drawing up a plan of action to give effect to the Government decision. My Department is also investigating the functional and logistical requirements of each institution and the adjustments which will be required. The challenges here are detailed and multi-faceted and it would be premature at this point to give definite dates. A consultative process with the Directors of the Institutions referred to above is underway under various headings including governance, shared management structures, unified support services and resources.