Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

That is fascinating, although I hope the Minister of State has not eaten into my speaking time. I appreciate that some further consideration along the lines of a federal arrangement between the Irish Manuscripts Commission, the National Library and the National Archives is taking place. However, the keeping of an archive is a State function and I do not believe it should be in a semi-autonomous body like the National Library. Be that as it may, my key concern is when any of this is going to happen. The Minister of State knows, as I do, the state of the National Archives, including the building where it is located and the way it is managed at present. It is in an extremely difficult position because of the uncertainty about when the legislation will be introduced. Staff are leaving and not being replaced, and the whole institution is running down and beginning to moulder.

When is the legislation likely to come? Will the Minister of State agree something must happen in the National Archives given the huge problems caused by staff leaving and not being replaced? Quite apart from the cultural tourism element, the National Archives is part of our heritage, yet is being kept in a biscuit factory. The current arrangement is neither sustainable nor acceptable. After many years of the Celtic tiger, nothing has happened, which is a disgrace. I am sure the Minister of State would agree, if he could do so privately. Is there any hope of bringing forward the legislation so that some new direction is given?

I am particularly concerned with the National Archives, although I realise the Irish Manuscripts Commission will be included in any arrangement that is made. My problem is that nothing is happening. I examined the legislative programme and this legislation is dealt with in the back pages, where it is impossible to give a timeline. Can the Minister of State enlighten me as to when the legislation will be brought forward?

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