Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Prior to all this legislative change, genealogists involved themselves in performing these searches. What they are expecting is that we will now do that for them. We have accepted two amendments on behalf of the Genealogical Society of Ireland, one to do with the date, place of birth and the birth surname of the mother in order that people would have greater access.

With regard to computerisation, I appreciate what the Senator is saying. Many people are afraid of computers, and older people certainly do not want to know about them. I have been advised that assistance will be made available to such people in the office where the searches will take place.