Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2004
15 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the Irish Genealogical Project, commenced in 1990 with a view to completion by 1994; if the project is now complete and comprehensive in its coverage of all relevant genealogical information; and if not, the reason therefor. [17506/04]
View answerResponsibility for the Irish Genealogical Project passed from the Department of the Taoiseach to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in October 1997. The Irish Genealogical Project's primary aim is to include all church and civil records up to 1900. The number of records involved is in excess of 20 million. To date, 76% of church records and 40% of civil records have been indexed by the 35 designated Irish Genealogy Limited centres.
The rate of inputting of records was considerably facilitated by the assistance of participants in a FÁS work experience programme. The number of participants on this scheme has decreased considerably in recent years, resulting in a slower rate for the inputting of records. I understand from the project managers that they expect 90% of church records will be completed by the end of 2007. Due to the prioritising of the indexing of church records, a target date for completion of civil records has not been determined.
The IGL website provides for a central signposting index link which gives basic information and directs inquiries to the relevant county centres. In the case of nine centres, the detailed database can be accessed by the user. This facility is being expanded to comprehend all county locations.
