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

I thank all the Senators, including Senators Wilson, Gavan and Hopkins, for their contributions. I listened to them with interest. The various issues raised will be considered further in my Department as the Bill makes its way through this House.

Ireland's unique and varied culture is a source of immense national pride that gives us a common sense of purpose. Our culture is an all-encompassing, evolving force that helps us to express and celebrate who we are as a diverse, modern nation. Providing for an accurate reflection of our history and our journey to modern Ireland is critical.

National cultural institutions help to provide access to the arts and culture and Ireland's rich heritage. Such access is vital in preserving our society and national identity and in helping to promote Ireland's image abroad. The arts, culture, heritage and creative industries make a major contribution to our economy, to sustaining and creating jobs, and to the rebuilding of Ireland's reputation on the international stage.

The role of the National Archives is key in preserving our history and providing the necessary records to assist with research into the political, economic and social forces that have shaped our nation. It is one of the State's most important institutions. The records held by the National Archives document the historical evolution of the Irish State and the creation of our national identity. For this reason the Government decided that, notwithstanding the challenges, it is important to provide the flexibility for records to be released after 20 years if there is a strong case for their historical or public interest value.

Our shared history with the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, cannot be underestimated. The Government is of the strong view that it must provide for the protection of the Irish perspective on that shared history. I have carefully considered how to move to a 20-year rule. I am of the opinion that, notwithstanding the significant resourcing issues involved, it is important to provide for the early release of records of significant historical or public interest value. The approach adopted in the Bill provides a way forward so records can be released while taking due account of the resource issues.

Without a change to Irish legislation, it should be pointed out that, as Britain and Northern Ireland continue to release records after 2023, those jurisdictions would be releasing records ten years ahead of the Republic of Ireland. As a result, the British and Northern Ireland perspectives on shared issues would be recorded first.

Senator Gavan raised an issue concerning the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach will not have the power to amend or revoke an order designating records to be relevant records. He has certain powers under the existing legislation and his powers relating to records and archives under the existing legislation, namely, those over 30 years old, will not change. At section 4(b), the new legislation would provide a consultation role for the Taoiseach along with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the director of the National Archives for the transition period in regard to getting records between 20 and 30 years old.

I thank Senator Hopkins for her reference to the General Register Office in Roscommon. My Department has a partnership with the GRO and it works with it on genealogy.

Some interesting issues were raised by the various Senators who contributed to this debate. Officials have taken note of what has been raised. I will examine what is being proposed and I hope that we can assist Senators in their consideration. I ask any Senator who intends to submit an amendment to the Bill to give the departmental officials sight of it at an early stage in order that, where possible and appropriate, it may be given due consideration in a decent timeframe. I commend the Bill to the House.