National Archives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Questions (285)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

285. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht 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. [35389/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department has detailed procedures in place concerning the examination and transfer of paper records that have permanent value from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to the National Archives, in accordance with the National Archives Act, 1986 and Regulations, 1988 which have been circulated to all staff members. All line divisions within my Department are required to examine the records relevant to their areas of responsibility and arrange for the transfer of records to the National Archives as appropriate.

I am confident in the abilities of the Department's staff and the staff of the National Archives of Ireland to carry out their functions in this matter. It is not the practice of my Department to employ an archivist and I am advised that the current approach secures the preservation of records which warrant preservation as archives and ensures that appropriate arrangements are made for public access to archives.