Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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332. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding reducing the period before State papers can be published from 30 years to 20 years in line with the UK; if he will ensure this is made a priority by his Department and the National Archives in order that this shift can be made possible to ensure Irish and UK State papers will be published together; the other Government Departments and bodies under their aegis with which his Department has discussed this matter in order to obtain their feedback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16486/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Under the National Archives Act, 1986, Government Departments, Offices and the Courts have a statutory obligation to transfer records older than 30 years, subject to certain exemptions, to the National Archives. I am aware that recent legislative changes in the United Kingdom have provided new arrangements for public access to the archival records of government after 20 years and not 30 years as had previously been the case. I am cognisant that the difference in regimes between the UK and Ireland could lead to records on common matters being released earlier in the UK and Northern Ireland. An Interdepartmental Working Group comprising officials from my Department and the Departments of An Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality, the Office of the Attorney General and the National Archives has been established to examine the issues surrounding a potential change in the 30 year legislation. The Group has met several times and will shortly report to me, after which I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government.