Patricia Ryan
Ceist:175. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeframe for introducing a 20 year rule for the release of State papers. [34381/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 June 2021
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Archives Act 1986 provides for the transfer and release to the public of the records of Departments of State to the National Archives when they are 30 years old. The National Archives (Amendment) Act 2018 was commenced as it introduced a provision that allows records to be transferred when they are 20 years old and over, in certain circumstances.
The transfer of records under the 2018 legislation will be implemented on a phased basis, currently comprising records relating to Northern Ireland and Anglo-Irish affairs. It applies to specific departments only - the departments and offices most closely involved in Anglo-Irish matters.
This legislation is a positive step which will allow for the early release of records which are of significant historical or public interest, while ensuring our shared history with the UK is presented in a balanced fashion. I will provide further updates on the release of these records over the coming months.