Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Is the Taoiseach aware of the problem of physical storage space for the National Archives? It should not be a problem considering so much space is available which would be up to standard for housing archival material. They can be then readily available to students, historians or members of the public who are inclined to look at them. The situation is very poor and the archive needs extra space.

What is the position of historic Irish manuscripts held abroad in monasteries and various universities? I understand there are 1,100 authentic Irish manuscripts dating back to the Middle Ages, many of which are beginning to deteriorate in the monasteries and universities where they are held. In the interests of our country it would be appropriate that a full-scale survey is carried out by the National Archives, under the Department of the Taoiseach, so that these can be preserved and retained for future generations of Irish people. For example, the annals of Inis Fallen are held in Oxford and were sent to Kerry for a few weeks a number of years ago. My understanding is that there are 1,100 of these, some of which have been untouched for years and which are starting to disintegrate and deteriorate. In the interests of the country and those who come behind us, the Taoiseach might take an interest in this to see whether a scoping exercise, as they call it these days, can ascertain the scale of this, where the manuscripts are, their condition, and to make arrangements with the authorities in those countries to preserve if not return the manuscripts. I would like to see them in Ireland at the end of the day.

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