Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will, of course, support the National Archives (Amendment) Bill 2017 and it is good to see it on Second Stage. The National Archives is very important for the heritage and history of this country. Our heritage officers on councils play a pivotal role in the protection and promotion of what we have to offer in this country, with our national institutions such as the National Library of Ireland, the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland which have so many fantastic displays. We are delighted to see so many developments in these national institutions.

Heritage officers play a major role within local authorities in the protection of our culture and heritage, as well as the archives within our local libraries and authorities. They do this from an education perspective and programmes are run in collaboration with other sectors in local authorities, including libraries and arts offices. The "Golden Mile" is a particular scheme being rolled out by heritage officers and I have observed it as being very successful across the country in promoting and protecting our natural and architectural heritage. In the past we may have been less aware of this so it is very important that it is promoted within our schools and at a local and national level. That is happening now with heritage officers doing terrific work during heritage week, which will see major promotion of those historic ventures around the country. We are happy to the support the Bill.

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