Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I agree with the Minister that the online availability of the 1901 and 1911 census information provides people with an opportunity to undertake research in advance of their arrival here. In the absence of many of the 19th century census records, the General Register Office which provides information on births, marriages and deaths is important. We must put our best foot forward in this regard. Digitisation of records enables people to carry out research in advance and thus increases the likelihood of their coming here. While there is an online facility for researching births, marriages and deaths, it is part of the Church of Latter Day Saints' website rather than the website of the General Register Office, which I do not understand. Searching online is much simpler than having to physically search through large indexes in the General Register Office located in the Irish Life Mall. Much more needs to be done in this regard, from which we could get a decent return. I ask the Minister to address this issue in conjunction with other relevant Departments, if necessary.

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