Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The questions tabled by Deputies relate specifically to the files, if any, that were withheld, the detail of what was provided and the reason behind any material not being provided under the National Archive Act 1986. If there is a wider policy issue regarding the efficacy of having these rules in place in the first instance, perhaps parliamentary questions to that effect might elicit a more considered reply. My immediate reaction is that one can consider certain aspects of the questions being asked. I would not announce a change in the present policy position without carefully considering the pros and cons.

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