Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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1065. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made by the National Archives Ireland since the enactment of the Preservation of Certain Records Act 2024; the number of religious orders have they engaged with; the number of orders that have given National Archives Ireland a full inventory of records they hold in respect of institutional abuse and care, including their financial and administrative records related to the institutions under their auspice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44731/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Following the enactment of the Preservation of Certain Records Act 2024, the National Archives wrote to 25 religious orders, of which 24 responded to this letter. In regard to the remainder who did not respond, they confirmed that they had not operated an institution as defined under the 2024 Act.

The National Archives has since received 14 completed statements from religious orders in relation to the 'relevant records' they hold, with a further ten seeking an extension, as is permitted under Section 9(5) of the Act.

The National Archives continues to work closely with the religious orders in relation to their statements, offering advice and support including surveying records held by the religious orders.