Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I will not mention the contents, I respect the Chair's ruling, but the Taoiseach can reply as he sees fit.

I asked almost a year ago about the problems in the National Archives office which are preventing the transfer of files. The Department of Health and Children has not sent anything for the 30 year deadline on confidentiality since 1993. Given that the Taoiseach takes his responsibility for the National Archives seriously, does he envisage historians such as John Bowman having thin pickings when it comes to the archives on the basis that a number of organisations subject to the National Archives Act cannot transfer their records? This matter is becoming serious. The Taoiseach stated in his previous reply that he is keeping the matter under review. What review has taken place since March 2004 and is any action planned?

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