asked the Minister for Justice if he has plans to expand the number of professional archival personnel in the Public Record Office of Ireland.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Records.
25.
asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to bring the Public Records (Ireland) Act, 1867, up to date and in particular to allow for the designation of the records of local government bodies as public records.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
The question of making proper provision for the preservation of public records has been under active consideration in a number of Departments for some time. As the Deputy will be aware, the Devlin Review Group has since recommended that the Public Record Office be split between the National Library and the Land Registry. Pending a decision in that regard, it is not possible to say what decisions will be reached on the proposals set out by the Deputy.
As an interim arrangement, I have arranged for the strengthening of the Public Record Office staff and I hope to appoint at least one graduate archivist shortly.
When will the legislation be brought up to date?
It is under very close consideration at the present time.
Would the Minister not agree that the 1867 Act is the most modern in relation to public records and even it is not in force at the moment because it was framed with reference to the existence of a Lord Lieutenant and we do not have a Lord Lieutenant any more? The legislation is quite out of date and should be brought up to date very quickly.
It is being brought up to date.
Questions Nos. 27 and 28 postponed.