Seán Barrett
Question:145 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to introduce a pay-for-view facility for genealogists.
Written Answers. - Genealogical Services.
The bodies under my aegis which hold records of interest to genealogists are the National Library and the National Archives. There are no plans for the introduction of pay-for-view charges in these institutions.
The Deputy's question may be prompted by the Heritage Council's report presented to me at the end of 1998 on the provision of genealogical services in Ireland and to the recommendation therein which provides for a usage charge in the context of a proposal for a new Irish family history research centre. I have informed the Heritage Council that I have not accepted the principle of this proposal.