Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Some of the points the Deputy raises are not related to the questions which are specific to the release of papers this year under the 30 year rule. Regarding the part of the Deputy's contribution on involvement by me or my office in decisions, which is relevant and on which I can reply, the evaluation of files for release to the National Archives is carried out by designated officials in my Department. I have no direct or indirect involvement in what is released or not released.

The National Archives Act 1986 provides that under certain circumstances files or parts of files can be withheld from release. This provision is set out under section 8(4)(a), (b) and (c), which provide for withholding of material in the following circumstances, namely, when it is in the public interest to do so, when information has been supplied in confidence and where releasing the material would or might cause distress or danger to living persons on the ground that it contains information about individuals.

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