Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The principal function of the National Archives Advisory Council, NAAC, is to advise me in the exercise of my powers under the National Archives Act on all matters affecting archives within the scope of the Act, and on the use of the archives by the public. The council also has a statutory function to advise the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on keeping local authority records. The term of office of the current members of the NAAC expired recently.

The National Archives is facing into years with a complex agenda including the redevelopment of its headquarters and the revision of the National Archives Act. A complete changeover at this point would leave very little of the corporate memory of the NAAC. For continuity some of the members should be reappointed to the council, if they are willing to serve a further term of office. Accordingly, I am currently considering appointment of a new board. In view of the complex nature of the work facing the council in the coming years, I do not propose to rush into these appointments and will ensure that the council is provided with the necessary expertise to fulfil its duties. I anticipate, however, that I will make these appointments shortly.

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