Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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387. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to reducing the 30-year rule for the release of State papers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2272/14]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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401. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration has been given to moving the period before publication of State papers from 30 years to 20 years, in line with the UK; if his Department is aware that the UK is currently publishing its state papers twice per year until it reaches the 20-year point; if this shift can be made possible to ensure Irish and UK state papers are published together; if his Department foresees any ramifications if, in time, Irish papers are published ten years later than British papers; the effect this will have on history publications and teachings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2878/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 401 together.

I am aware of the move by the British Government from a 30 year rule for the release of State records to a 20 year rule and of the interim measures which it has put in place. This has been a matter of discussion between me and the Chairman of the National Archives Advisory Council, as well as between officials in my Department and the Acting Chair of the National Archives. I intend to bring a memorandum to Government on the matter in the near future, following consultation with relevant Ministers on the implications arising.