Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 47:

In page 62, before the First Schedule, to insert the following new section:

"74.—An tArd-Chláraitheoir will, in consultation with the Director of the National Archives and the National Archives Advisory Council, formulate and publish a policy document or statement setting out a framework for greater public access to civil registration registers or register books where one hundred or more years have elapsed since the date of creation of the last entry in such register(s) or register book(s).".

This amendment is self-explanatory. It seeks that the registrar, in consultation with the director of the National Archives and the National Archives advisory council, formulate a policy concerning records over 100 years old. This is a novel amendment which suggests the insertion of a new section which would, in effect, force the bringing about of joined-up Government. However, I believe that the latter would be a good development. In the Lower House, the Minister stated that the National Archives already have access to the GRO's information.