Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2017
197. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to review the time limits for the release of materials under the National Archives Act 1986; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23502/17]
View answerMy Department is currently working on a draft Bill, in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Draftsman, which will reduce the time limit for the release of certain departmental records after 20 years rather than the current 30 years.
The Bill will propose to implement the change on a phased basis starting with the Departments of Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality and the Office of the Attorney General.
I expect to bring the Bill to Government in advance of publication very shortly.
