Departmental Records

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Questions (230)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

230. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is the practice of her 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 she will consider this option in order to best capture the most valuable records before they potentially deteriorate in storage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35393/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In 2007, a Records Manager was appointed, under a two-year contract, to assist in formulating my Department's Records Retention and Disposition Schedule which sets out how long records should be held and the various disposition options. It is not the practice of my Department to employ an archivist to examine records and archives. My Department adheres to the provisions of the National Archives Act 1986, Regulations 1988 and receives advice and direction from the National Archives Office regarding the transfer of records of archival value to its Office. The National Archives Office has responsibility for securing the preservation of records which warrant preservation as archives.