Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have just three brief questions. The first relates to the storage of all of these records, which is a big issue. How big do we make the warehouses to store these records? Is there an argument for digitising all of the records that are in storage? They can be released at whatever stage the law dictates but should they be digitised so that there is no risk of them being damaged or lost in the future? Digitising them would also reduce the enormous costs associated with their storage. This problem will just get bigger and bigger. I presume that in Mr. Feely's facility, now that everything is electronic, this issue does not arise in the context of new records. However, with the CSO, the issue will continue to arise into the future.

On a parochial note, I wish to compliment Mr. Feely and his team for their work on the translation project on the Racecourse Road in Roscommon, which led the way in the context of where we are today. We now have the GRO headquarters and Property Registration Authority, PRA, offices in Roscommon town. However, those who come to the town with the intention of accessing records are very confused about where exactly they should go. I urge the witnesses to speak to the OPW about erecting signage for all of the public buildings which have a public desk so that those travelling by train or car into the town can find the buildings easily.

I wish to touch on an issue which is not directly related to today's agenda but which is related to records. The local authorities all over the country have vast volumes of records, often held in basements in buildings, many of which are deteriorating. There does not seem to be any legal requirement on the local authorities to preserve those records or to store them appropriately. Perhaps that is an issue the committee could examine further.

Mr. Feely and myself have had conversations about amendments to the Civil Registration Act and I have tabled parliamentary questions on same. Those amendments have been long-promised but have not yet been delivered. Is Mr. Feely confident that the legislation will be ready this year and laid before the Oireachtas? Is he satisfied that all of his requirements are covered by that legislation?