asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress made on the preparation of documents to be deposited in the National Archives; the portion of the relevant material which has now been examined and could now be placed there; the number of staff engaged on this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Archives.
101.
The National Archives Act, 1986, provides for the transfer of documents over 30 years old to the National Archives. Under the Act a two year transitional period will be allowed from the commencement of the relevant section to enable documents to be examined and prepared for deposit in the archives. That section has not yet been brought into operation. However, arrangements have been made to ensure that all documents of potential historical interest are retained in the Department of Social Welfare.
The question of allocating staff for the task of examining the documents on hands is under consideration in the Department at present.