Departmental Records

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Questions (207)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

207. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is the practice of his Department to employ an archivist to examine records and archives once records are deemed appropriate for archiving to determine the quality of the records, the importance, the estimated care and attention needed to preserve the records and so on; if not if he will consider this option in order to best capture the most valuable records before they potentially deteriorate in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35396/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has a dedicated archives unit based at the departmental file repository. This unit is responsible for managing the annual transfer of records over 30 years old to the National Archives, where in turn they are preserved and held for release to the public under the terms of the National Archives Act, 1986. The departmental archives unit comprises four permanent staff members and in addition uses the services of a retired DFAT Assistant Secretary to review files in preparation for their transfer to the National Archives.

Departmental records not yet due for transfer to the National Archives are stored securely in the departmental file repository. The Department has in place systematic records management procedures which enable it to meet its obligations under the National Archives Act; in addition, it has a close working relationship with the National Archives, seeking advice and guidance as appropriate.