Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 8

Written Answers. - Irish Genealogical Project.

Enda Kenny

Question:

74 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the Comptroller and Auditor General's critical report on the Irish Genealogical Project; if he has received a request from the Department of Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht and the Islands for additional staff to deal with problems asociated with the project since then; if he will approve extra staff in view of the fact that £16 million has been spent to date in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5322/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am aware of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General referred to by the Deputy.

The Irish Genealogical Project is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands following its transfer from the Department of the Taoiseach last year. The Minister has recently submitted a request for additional staff for her Department to enable it to deal with matters relating to the project. This request is being considered.

The Deputy may be aware that three staff are directly employed by the Irish Genealogical Project and that a member of staff has been transferred to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands from the Department of the Taoiseach.