Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Would there be corresponding personnel in each of the other Departments but perhaps not of that number? Is it because of the specific potential sensitivities of records associated with the Taoiseach's Department that it has a greater number of officers with that designation?

Have the criteria been published? What are the guidelines given to these deciding officers who issue this certification? Will the Taoiseach agree that publication of these guidelines would help public understanding of the process?

The Taoiseach quoted a number of sections of the National Archives Act 1986. Section 8(11) indicates that the Taoiseach may by order prescribe a particular class or classes of records to which a certificate granted under subsection 204 may relate and may by order, amend or revoke an order under this subsection. Has the Taoiseach ever exercised this power under section 8(11) of the Act to prescribe a particular class or classes of records that may or may not be transferred? If so, will the Taoiseach indicate to the House what classes of records he has so prescribed over his period in office?

See this speech in context