Written Answers. - Genealogical Project.
Michael Bell
Question:
20
Mr. Bell
asked the
Taoiseach
if, in relation to the replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 4 and 5 of 20 February 1991 and No. 2 of 5 March 1991, he will outline the progress to date which has been made in relation to, (a) the implementation of the Irish genealogical project, (b) future planned activity in 1992, (c) the number of staff, both civil servants and others, currently engaged in the project within the State and (d) the moneys expended so far and to be expended in 1992 from (1) the Central Fund, (2) EC funding and (3) others; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Michael Bell
Question:
88
Mr. Bell
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will give details of the progress made to date in relation to the implementation of, (a) the Irish genealogical project, (b) future planned activity in 1992, (c) the number of staff, both civil servants and others, currently engaged in the project within the State, (d) the moneys expended so far and to be expended in 1992 from (1) the Central Fund, (2) EC funding and (3) others and (e) the counties which have received funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 88 together.
I am pleased to report that substantial progress has been made in regard to the Irish Genealogical Project.
Representatives of my Department and of the Central Secretariat in Northern Ireland have undertaken extensive discussions with the principal interest groups involved in the Project, namely the Irish Family History Foundation, the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Association of Ulster Genealogists and Record Agents and agreement has now been reached for the participation of these parties on the board of a company, which is being set up to manage the project. Other participants on the board will include representatives from Bord Fáilte, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Shannon Development, and representatives from the training authorities, and local authorities, both north and south together with representatives from my Department and the Central Secretariat.
The objectives of the company will be to create jobs and employment opportunities in the tourism and travel sectors. The mechanism for achieving the goal is the provision of a 32 county family history research source, based on locally created and locally controlled computer data bases which can be used as a strong tourism marketing tool to encourage additional visitors to the country to trace their ancestors. There will be consequent down stream spin off benefits to hotels, guest houses, restaurants etc.
To date the International Fund for Ireland has allocated £1.5 million to the Project towards the provision of computer equipment for the genealogical centres and expenditure to date is £1.2 million approximately. European Regional Development Funds for improvements to the respective buildings and for non computer equipment is being allocated by Bord Fáilte under the Operational Programme for Tourism. To date £904,000 has been committed to the centres. They may, in addition, independently seek funding, as appropriate, from State Agencies such as FAS or from private sponsorship.
The future planned activity in 1992 will include ongoing computerisation of genealogical records and the provision of as full a service as possible to visitors.
An interim research service is in operation at present, as part of the programme for the Homecoming Festival planned for September, 1992. The focus of the Festival is to attract additional tourists to Ireland and to extend the tourist season. The activities of the Festival will have a strong genealogical orientation.
The Irish Genealogical Project is being co-ordinated by four Project Managers, whose expenses are being funded by Bord Fáilte, Shannon Development, FÁS and the Northern Ireland Training Authority. In addition co-ordination is being provided by three officials in my Department on a part-time basis in conjunction with officials from the Central Secretariat in Northern Ireland. The matter of the staffing will be reviewed in the context of the setting up of a company to manage the project.
The genealogical centres employ a substantial number of trainees provided by FÁS and ACE, and have a small core staff, which it is expected will be increased as the services develop.
Each of the 32 counties are eligible to receive funding provided that an appropriate centre is agreed. In the case of some counties, it has been agreed that they co-operate by having one centre for two counties.
