Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When I first entered the House, if a Department had a statutory duty, great cognisance was had of that and it was done. Over time, there has been an erosion of people's respect for statutory duties. When computer systems were being introduced, a wise person told me that, if I had a paper accounting system that was in a mess, all that the computer would do would be to multiply the mess. If someone does not comply with the 30-year rule and management issues new guidelines, the time taken will double because he or she will start looking through records to see what the guidelines apply to and find ways of not complying with the law.

I am not satisfied that I have received an answer today as to what will be done to ensure that "30 years" is "30 years". Regardless of whether the National Archives approve a disposal or lodging order, the time is supposed to be 30 years to the day. Until we get compliance with that - I am referring to the legislation's wider provision under which the timeframe will go to 20 years rather than the narrower provision of certain documents being picked - Departments will be more in breach than in compliance, given the explosion in the number of documents that will need to be sifted through to decide whether they are "In" or "Out". I do not like laws that are not observed.