Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Haughey and Tóibín for their comments. It is very important that our shared history is reflected in an adequate way. They are quite correct that the UK has been five years ahead of us since 2013. The 1987 records were released on 1 January 2018 whereas the papers released in the UK on that date related to 1992. It is important to have a synchronised release of official records in order that we can ensure, as both Deputies pointed out, that the Irish side of the story, particularly regarding Anglo-Irish and North-South relations, is reflected in a comprehensive way. That is why the Bill is very important.

In the context of Deputy Haughey's late father, I note the provision in section 8 of the principal Act that provides for the retention of any record which "would or might cause distress or danger to living persons on the grounds that it contains information on individuals, or would or might be likely to lead to an action for damages for defamation." Of course, that only applies to living persons but it is an important protective clause.

I thank the Deputies for their comments. The legislation provides a mechanism to ensure that records over 20 years old which are of significant historic or public interest can be released to the National Archives and, thereby, to the public by recognising the significant resource issues which have been pointed out. I thank the Deputies for their co-operation in expediting the passage of the Bill.

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