Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a decision has been taken on the publication of the 1926 census particularly in view of the recent publication of the 1940 US census which has benefitted citizens with an interest in genealogy and which would have the potential to increase genealogy related tourism alongside the Gathering planned for next year. [29699/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enabling the publication of the 1926 Census. The project requires two principal components to be addressed. The first is the legal necessity to change the relevant legislation to permit publication of the Census before the expiry of the statutory 100 year period, while respecting certain rights. The second is the technical process whereby the material can be converted from the paper records to a searchable electronic database in a cost-effective fashion. Legal advice has been obtained in relation to the legislative changes and consultation with relevant bodies is in progress. Possible technical approaches are also currently being considered, as are their resource implications. My Department is working to progress these matters.