Hugh Byrne
Ceist:29 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has for the future development of the Genealogical Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/95]
Written Answers. - Geneological Office Development.
The National Library and Genealogical Office are under the overall responsibility of the relevant Minister of the day, a responsibility that currently falls within my remit.
Since 1943, by virtue of the Allocation of Administration (Geneological Office) Order, the Genealogical Office has existed as a distinct entity within the framework of the National Library as well as being linked administratively to it.
I consider that the functions of the Genealogical Office constitute a valuable resource for the country and that the interests of the Genealogical Office are best served, now and in the future, by placing the supervisory role under the executive authority of the National Library. Accordingly, as part of the consideration of forthcoming legislative proposals for the establishment of the National Museum and National Library as autonomous bodies, the Government recently decided that the functions of the Genealogical Office should be explicitly provided for in statute within the framework being provided for the National Library.
In addition, my Department is arranging, as a priority, for the filling of the relevant senior vacancy which arose recently to further facilitate the work of the Genealogical Office.