Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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48. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to promote the potential of genealogy tourism; his views that a more centralised approach to record keeping would assist its development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19165/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Genealogy is an important way of connecting with those abroad who wish to trace their roots and also permitting those here in Ireland to establish their family history. It is also an important element of the country's cultural tourism product as a means of encouraging the Irish diaspora to visit the land of their ancestors. The Government, at my instigation and cognisant of its commitments under the Programme for Government, recently agreed a national genealogy policy.

In Ireland, the situation regarding genealogical research is complicated for historical reasons. Few records have survived compared to other countries. The fire in the Public Record Office complex in the Four Courts during the Irish Civil War (1922-1923) resulted in the severe damage and destruction of many records and impaired the range of records available for genealogical purposes. It is very important that the genealogy records which exist are presented in a way that is easy to use and understand and readily accessible. The national genealogy policy aims to bring some coherence to this area.

As part of the policy, I have recently launched the updated website incorporating a web portal. The new web portal will enable visitors to the site to search genealogy records from a number of online sources particularly in the State sector. A link will then bring the user directly to the results of the search. Now for the first time, one search on will inform the user whether relevant records are available in a number of online sources such as the Church Records currently available on , Tithe Applotments, Griffiths Valuations and the 1901 and 1911 Census records. The improved search capabilities of this website are part of my Department's contribution to the Government's Gathering Initiative. It is hoped that this site will contribute to genealogical tourism by making easier for the Diaspora to connect with their heritage. It is also hoped that the enhanced website will help to simplify the way that the State presents genealogy records.

As the Deputy may be aware, there are a wide variety of organisations that already provide valuable services to those seeking information on their ancestry. My Department would be happy to discuss the provision of a searched link from the webportal on to allow users to search the websites of those organisations. I believe that this would benefit all users and bodies by simplifying the genealogy landscape.