Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I stated, the FOI legislation takes into account the constitutional position while at the same time providing for a differentiated approach which remains with the FOI decision-makers who, while independent, seek to comply with the legislation. The legislation envisages a differentiated approach in respect of certain if not all information being provided. It is not a question of all information being blanketed for 30 years or one having to wait 30 years in respect of all information.

On the amalgamation of the various cultural institutions, the Government intends to introduce such a Bill. I understand it may well be the end of the year before that legislation will be before the Houses. Obviously, it will present an opportunity to discuss the detail of the Bill. We have indicated that the National Archives of Ireland, the Irish Manuscripts Commission and the National Library of Ireland of Ireland shall be merged into a new national library and archives of Ireland. This merger will require the amendment of the National Archives Act 1986 and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism proposes to update the relevant archival legislation as part of this process. The new draft legislation deals with three separate existing bodies, abolishes these bodies and establishes a new body. The initial draft of the legislation has been completed and transmitted to the directors of the National Archives of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland, and to the chairman of the Irish Manuscripts Commission for their observation. The matter is in hand and a more detailed debate might best take place in the context of the Bill that is to be brought before the House for consideration.

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