Mr. Dermot Mulligan:

This would apply that principle to the redress board and the review committee. I acknowledge that the issue regarding confidentiality and the terms in which persons made applications, gave evidence, etc. is a particularly difficult and sensitive one for the individuals concerned and their families. It is correct that what we are talking about in this part of the discussion is not so much whether the records would be retained but rather how and when they would be released. There is a variety of opinion, for example, among survivor groups, in relation to the length of time. Some would like the records released right away. Some think 100 years is too short. There is a range of views on that. There is a range of views also on whether particular individuals would like their own records to be released and when. I am not minimising this as an issue. It is a really sensitive one. The way that the general scheme has been prepared is that the conditions on the release of records will be stipulated by the director of the National Archives office at the time; in 75 years or whenever. It is open to consider whether there would be other restrictions or guarantees on that, and maybe that is what some of those who have expressed opinions on it might be interested in. I am not in a position to say anything particular about it, except that an important factor in the consideration of this is that people gave evidence on the basis that it would be confidential. In the submissions we have received to date on this, we have heard that message from only one individual. It is something we need to consider carefully and we probably need to reflect a little further on it whenever we hear the committee's final views.