Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Minister could make a name for himself that would be long-remembered by ending the national scandal whereby the National Archives are closeted in a biscuit factory. Most of them are completely inaccessible, are piled on pallets and could be rotting away, for all Members know. This is an absolute scandal. The Minister has provided a flavour of its history. The archives moved to their current site on a temporary basis 20 years ago. It is time for someone to take this issue by the scruff of its neck and make a decision on what will happen. While money is available in the national development plan, I foresee it running to its conclusion without anything happening.

Ireland needs a purpose-built building for its National Archives as the existing facility is a disgrace. This country prides itself on its interest in the past and in its culture, history and heritage. Although Irish people go around the world talking about it, we cannot look after it at home. The Minister must agree this constitutes a real disgrace. The Land Commission, which occupies part of the building, is in possession of extremely valuable material that is completely inaccessible. It must also be relocated from its current site. Were a fire to break out there, Ireland could forget about having any kind of National Archives. Consequently, there is real urgency in this regard. Apart from the fire issue, we owe it to ourselves and to our past to do something. If the Minister took this issue by the scruff of the neck and made decisions about it he would be very well thought of. If he were to do this, I certainly would be more than willing to say very nice things about him both nationally and in the constituency.

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