Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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69. To ask the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in his Department's archive unit in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; his plans to expand this number; if there are protocol changes arising from changes to the National Archives Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19623/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Information Management and Support Unit of my Department is responsible for ensuring that my Department meets its obligations under the National Archives Act, 1986, by identifying, reviewing and releasing 30-year-old files to the National Archives.

In addition to this work, the Unit also:

- Organises and files approx. 22,000 pieces of correspondence received in the Taoiseach's / Minister of States' Private Offices;

- Assists with the creation, management and organisation of approx. 2,000 new files in my Department each year;

- Provides stationery/newspapers/journals to the Department, adhering to best practice with regard to procurement; and

- Provides a library service to my Department and the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform (including by using the InterLibrary Loan System).

The number of staff working to ensure that my Department meets its obligations under the National Archives Act, 1986, in each of the years 2010 - 2016 is outlined in the following table.

My Department has a designated member of staff who is responsible for managing the Department’s records and a Certifying Officer who is responsible for compliance with the National Archives Act, 1986.

In addition, National Archives staff assist with work relating to the annual transfer of Departmental records to the National Archives.

In October 2015, the Government decided to have legislation drafted to amend the National Archives Act, 1986, to allow for the 30 year period for file transfer to the National Archives to be reduced to 20 years on a phased basis. This amendment will have resource implications for my Department and planning will be required to put in place appropriate processes and procedures to manage the phased release of records.