Coastal Plan - Ten Years On!!

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Dún Laoghaire Coastal Plan

Ten Years On!!

http://www.dun-laoghaire.com/coastalplan/

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THE DAWN OF IRISH RECORDED HISTORY

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The Dawn of Irish Recorded History

High King to be Commemorated in 2013?

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Read the full article in the February 2011 issue of

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'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette'

on

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/71044341

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Bosnia's National & University Library

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Genealogical Society of Ireland supports the campaign by a group of academics and students from the University of Sarajevo to re-stock their university's library following its destruction during the Bosnian civil war. Read the piece in the February 2011 issue of the Society's newsletter on the above link.

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BOOKS 4 VIJECNICA

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www.books4vijecnica.com

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SEANAD ÉIREANN

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Seanad Éireann

Abused, Legislatively Starved, Ignored and now to be Abolished?

Read the full article from the January 2011 issue of

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'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette'

on

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/68588567

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THE EIGHT SURNAMES OF CONSANGUINITY

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A Chairde,
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The 'holiday season' always gives us a chance to meet up with relativies that we may not see too often during the year and, of course, for those interested in genealogy this is always a wonderful chance to add to our knowledge of our family history.

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Whilst many people with Irish ancestry will have little difficulty in tracing their lineages back to the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, the descendants of our chiefly families can go back much, much further. Although our Gaelic chiefly families may be able to trace their ancestry to the early centuries of the Christian era or before and thus, making their lineages the oldest in Europe, our nation's turbulent history has made connecting to these lines almost impossible for the majority of us. However, advances in DNA research may throw up some surprising opportunities in this respect.

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In the wonderful city of Singapore in October 2010 I came across this panel on the side wall of the Tan Clan Temple. The text traces the eight surnames of consanguinity in a very interesting 'family history' which I found strikingly similar to our own Gaelic origin narratives. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate a copy of this wall panel and searches on the Internet have, thus far, proved unsuccessful.

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It was my intention to obtain a copy for publication in the GSI Annual Journal as the Genealogical Society of Ireland is committed to promoting the study of family history amongst Ireland's many ethnic communities and thereby, providing information on such to the majority community. The Society's Director of Education & Social Inclusion has launched a consultative programme to further the participation of members, from all backgrounds, in the activities of the Society. Already the Society has published an article on Irish-Polish links and, no doubt, articles on other communities will follow.

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Last month the Genealogical Society of Ireland celebrated its 20th anniversary and also officially opened its Archive or 'An Daonchartlann' at the Carlisle Pier, Dún Laoghaire Harbour. For the full story see this month's issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' on www.familyhistory.ie or http://www.docstoc.com/docs/66476146

Featured in this month's issue:

+ Minister Officially Opens Society's Archives
+ Weekend Genealogy Courses
+ Vol 5 (2010) Contents
+ John Grenham, MAPGI, FGSI
+ 1926 Census
+ Will Your Records Well
+ James Scannell Reports...
+++ Dr. Chris Lawlor
+++ Ireland in Turmoil
+ Précis of the November Lecture
+ GSI Lectures 2010/11
+ New Membership Package Agreed

www.familyhistory.ie/shop
+ 'Holyhead to Ireland' (review)

http://www.amberleybooks.com/
+ GSI Board News
+ Dublin in 1707 - A Year in the life of the City (review)

http://www.fourcourtspress.ie/
+ Diary Dates
+ Medal Society of Ireland
+ Morning Meeting (notice)

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain fé Mhaise.

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Michael Merrigan

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GSI CELEBRATIONS

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Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann
Genealogical Society of Ireland

OFFICIAL OPENING & 20th ANNIVERSARY

Tuesday Nov. 9, 2010

PRESS STATEMENT

The Minister for Tourism, Culture & Sport, Ms. Mary Hanafin, TD, officially opened the new Headquarters and Archive of the Genealogical Society of Ireland at a ceremony held at the Harbour Lodge, Dún Laoghaire on Monday November 8, 2010.

The ceremony also included a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the Society in 1990. Members and friends of the Society were joined by An Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Lettie McCarthy, Mr. Seán Costello, Chairperson and Board of Directors of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company; County Councillors, and the President, Vice-Presidents, Board of the Genealogical Society of Ireland

This is a very special day for the Genealogical Society of Ireland as it celebrated two important milestones in the history and development of Ireland’s most active genealogical organisation.

The official opening of the Society’s Archive or An Daonchartlann (The People’s Archive) and the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the Society.

Ever since the foundation of the Society in October 1990 one of its main objectives was the establishment of a genealogical archive in Dún Laoghaire for items collected or donated by the Members and friends of the Society. A number of premises held the archival collections over the years, including the Martello Tower at Seapoint.

Pádraic Ingoldsby, Cathaoirleach of the Society explained how the Society acquired the new premises “last year, thanks to Gerry Dunne, Chief Executive of the Harbour Company and, of course, through the good offices of Cllr. Victor Boyhan, the Harbour Company decided to offer of the premises at the Carlisle Pier in May 2010 to the Society. Fully refurbished the Society began its operations at the new premises in July 2010.

It’s a superb location with ease of access and ample parking right in the heart of what could become the ‘heritage precinct’ of the Town and Harbour of Dún Laoghaire”.

Society Cathaoirleach, Pádraic Ingoldsby, concluded by sincerely thanking and commending the Harbour Company for its decision to enhance the heritage potential of this area by allocating the premises to the Society.

The Minister unveiled the commemorative plaque saying “I want to congratulate all involved in getting us to this proud day for the genealogy in Ireland. Helping people tracing their ancestors and the wider study of genealogy is a great service in the community. The opening of the new headquarters at the Carlisle Pier provides an opportunity now to promote this area as the ‘heritage precinct of Dún Laoghaire’ encompassing the Maritime Museum, new County Library & Cultural Centre, the Society’s Archive, the Pavilion Theatre and the Harbour itself. The tourism potential of such a precinct could be enormous and adds to the vibrant cultural and historical attractions in the area.”

“As an international as well as a national organisation, the Society has contributed enormously over the past twenty years to the promotion and development of an awareness, appreciation and knowledge of our genealogical and heraldic heritage’ and as such, it also created a Special 20th Anniversary Award of a Fellowship of the Society for ‘an outstanding contribution to genealogy”.

The Society’s Cathaoirleach called upon the Minister to present the award to Mr. John Grenham, genealogist, teacher, author and Irish Times columnist who becomes a Fellow of the Genealogical Society of Ireland.

The Minister presented the award to Mr. Grenham whose publication ‘Tracing Your Irish Ancestors’ is now regarded around the world as ‘the genealogist’s bible’ for Irish research. (photograph by Tom Conlon)

Mr. Seán Costello, Chairperson of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, thanked the Society for co-hosting the event and wished the GSI Archives every success at the Carlisle Pier, Dún Laoghaire Harbour.

Michael Merrigan, MA, FGSI
General Secretary
Genealogical Society of Ireland
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GROWING ACCESS TO HERITAGE

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A Chairde,

Please find attached the November issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' - the monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland is available on the following http://www.docstoc.com/docs/60295976 or by visiting the Society's website http://www.familyhistory.ie/

Featured in this issue:

+ Growing Access to Heritage - Recessionary Times Offer an Opportunity to Take Stock & Plan
+ Official Opening & 20th Anniversary
+ Age of Atrocity - Violence and Political Conflict in Early Modern Ireland (review) http://www.fourcourtspress.ie/
+ 1926 Census - A Stimulus Package
+ Overs 50s Show - A Wonderful Success
+ Will Your Records Well
+ James Scannell Reports..
+++ Headstones Erected
+++ Ranks Mills
+++ Biography of Irish Aviator
+++ Memorial to DMP Officers
+ Précis of the October Lecture
+ GSI Lectures 2010
+ Membership of the Genealogical Society
+ Diary Dates
+ Census of Elderly NY Irish
+ Morning Meeting - advice re. December
+ 'Executed for Ireland' (review) by James Scannell
+ Patrick Moran
+ Medal Society of Ireland

Mise le meas,

Michael Merrigan
General Secretary
Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann
Genealogical Society of Ireland

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'FICHE BLIAIN AG FÁS'

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A Chairde,

The October 2010 issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' - the monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland is available on
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/56592149 and on the Society's own website http://www.familyhistory.ie/

Featured in this issue:

+ Fiche Bliain ag Fás - 'Ireland's Most Active Genealogical Organisation'
+ Over 50s Show at the RDS
+ Guild of One-Name Studies
+ 'The Irish Church and the Tudor Reformations' (review) http://www.fourcourtspress.ie/
+ GSI Archive - Twenty Years a' Collecting
+ 1926 Census of Ireland (SEE NOTE BELOW)
+ Will Your Society Well
+ James Scannell Reports...
+++ Skellig Michael
+++ Kilmainham Gaol
+++ Viking Fortress Discovered
+++ Medal Society Auction
+ Précis of the September Lecture
+ GSI Lecture Programme
+ Membership of the Society (some administrative adjustments)
+ 'Blood in the Streets' (review) - James Scannell
+ Diary Dates
+ New NLI Board
+ Book Launch
+ Medal Society of Ireland

Remember, you can now keep up to date with the Society on http://www.facebook.com/ - just log-in (joining is free and easy) and then search for the Society by name.

1926 CENSUS OF IRELAND

The Genealogical Society of Ireland is pleased to confirm that the Statistics (Heritage Amendment) Bill, 2010 - the Society's Bill to have the 1926 Census of Ireland released is published and awaiting to be introduced at Second Stage in Seanad Éireann.

The following article which was published in 'History Ireland' outlines our endeavours to date and our arguments in favour of opening the 1926 census:- http://www.historyireland.com//volumes/volume16/issue5/news/?id=114285

The Bill is sponsored by Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fáil) and has the support of many senators on both sides of the House.

See: http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/bills/2010/3610/b3610s.pdf


Mise le meas,

Michael Merrigan
General Secretary
Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann
Genealogical Society of Ireland
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THE NEW HISTORY OF 'BRITAIN'

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A Chairde,

The September 2010 issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' - the monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland is available on the following link http://www.docstoc.com/docs/54516752

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The main article 'The New History of 'Britain'' examines how current TV history documentaries have created a new history and geography for a place called 'Britain'.

Mise le meas,

Michael Merrigan
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HERALDRY FOR ALL

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A Chairde,

The following is the Editorial in the August 2010 issue of ‘Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette’ – the monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland. The Society is Ireland’s most active and innovative genealogical and heraldic organisation. For further information see: http://www.familyhistory.ie/

HERALDRY FOR ALL –

Possible and Profitable

With all the new initiatives being considered by the Government to stimulate a greater awareness of Ireland and its heritage amongst the estimated 70 million people of Irish descent worldwide, heraldry seems to have been overlooked. Why?

Coats of Arms are among the most popular retail items in Irish themed stores around the world, however, most of these popular ‘Irish’ souvenirs are manufactured overseas mostly in Asia and often with dubious claims to authenticity in design. Traditionally, coats of arms are personal to the individual as they heraldically belong to specific families, not to surnames as sold in these souvenir stores.

But if you want the genuine article you must make a personal application to the Chief Herald and currently pay a sizeable sum for the privilege – so most stick with the fake. Back in 2006 the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill introduced in Seanad Éireann by Senator Brendan Ryan promised heraldry for all – an equitable, affordable, cost effective and, surprisingly for some, a profitable national heraldic service.

This Bill didn’t proceed to enactment, however, the recent appointment of the much respected professional librarian, Colette O’Flaherty, as Keeper of Manuscripts and Chief Herald of Ireland could and should usher in a new and exciting era of fundamental change at the ‘office’ of the Chief Herald of Ireland.

Gone for good are the fanciful and somewhat ridiculous notions of the past of exclusivity and pretensions based on anachronistic and non-existent prerogatives. Time has now come to reform, modernise and, in many ways, to establish a State heraldic service fit for a republic. This new heraldic service could be provided under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 and indeed, at minimal set-up costs to the National Library.

Currently anyone wishing to obtain a Grant of Arms must have at least €3,300 to splash out on what many would, rather disparagingly, consider a ‘vanity item’. The Grant of Arms is made in the form of Letters Patent with the hand-painted arms and the accompanying text in beautiful calligraphy on vellum. The grant is recorded in the Register of Arms and is a matter of public record.

But with such a price-tag it is doubtful whether commissions during this recessionary period could justify the continuation of such heraldic services. Therefore, rather than see its demise fundamental changes in both the structure and the delivery of Irish heraldic services are urgently required which would greatly broaden its customer base by expanding and developing its products.

What is preventing the Chief Herald from restructuring the delivery of services to meet the clear demand for less expensive, but authentic, Irish heraldic products – is it simply a lingering fanciful notion of exclusivity or what? In our republic, the State’s heraldic services must deliver heritage products and not privileges or dignities as claimed by other heraldic authorities.

Therefore, access to such products should be as universal as reasonably possible. To this end, instead of the elaborate and expensive Letters Patent, a computerised Certificate could be issued with the blazon or description of the Arms granted. The client is then free to engage a heraldic artist to paint the Arms on whatever surface or object they wish.

The costs of producing this type of grant would be considerably less given the massive reduction in labour costs and with the ‘out sourcing’ of the consultative work bringing authentic heraldry within reach of most individuals. To capture the enormous potential of such commissions from around the world, the 2006 Bill proposed the setting up of licensed heraldic agents who will do much of the consultative work currently carried out by the ‘office’ of the Chief Herald. Naturally, it would be expected that competition between such agencies will dramatically reduce rates payable for heraldic advice and art work.

More importantly it repatriates a part of our heritage industries and thus encouraging indigenous manufacturing and craft activity in a sector almost devastated by the recession. ‘Heraldry for All’ is possible and, in time, profitable. So why not?

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'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' (August 2010)

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/49373700/

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CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE, YOUR MAJESTY

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A Chairde,

The following is a copy of the Editorial published in the July 2010 issue of ‘Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette’ – the monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland. The article was taken up by two major newspapers in Ireland the ‘Sunday Independent’ (July 11th) and by the ‘Belfast Telegraph’ (July 12th). It was also taken up by ‘The Phoenix’ magazine (July 16th – 29th).

The matter was also extensively discussed on Irish radio programmes during the month with the prospect of a State Visit by the UK’s Queen Elizabeth receiving a general welcome across the country.

‘CLASH OF THE HARPS’

British Royal Visit to Ireland & Heraldry

With the possibility of a State Visit to the Republic next year by the UK’s Queen Elizabeth, it appears that a very warm ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ will be extended to Her Majesty.

However, Mr. Charles Kidd, certainly raised eyebrows and possibly howls of laughter around Irish breakfast tables when he spoke on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland programme (25.06.10) of the correct royal etiquette that should be observed during the visit. No doubt listeners to this popular radio programme were relieved to hear that ‘the sweeping bows of history are gone’ but for gentlemen a ‘nod from the neck’ and for ladies a ‘bob’ or curtsy was the correct way to greet Britain’s monarch.

Evidently the editor of Debrett’s believes that royal etiquette, no matter how anachronistic, travels with the monarch when visiting foreign countries and should be observed by others. No doubt then, when King Bumibol Adulyadej of Thailand paid a State Visit to the UK in 1960 and indeed, when Japan’s Emperor Akihito did likewise in 1998, British officials greeted the latter with a bow from the waist and approached the former on their knees during those State Visits. Surely Mr. Kidd is aware that neither bowing nor curtsying are appropriate for citizens of republics like Ireland or the United States.

Not content with having the citizens of our Republic bowing and curtsying, Mr. Kidd advised us against firm handshakes with the queen and, recalling the ‘transgression’ by US First Lady Michelle Obama, warned us off touching the royal personage. Reminiscent of the hullabaloo in 1992 caused by the then Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating, putting his arm around the queen. Well Mr. Kidd needn’t worry as most Irish citizens fully appreciate the historic and political significance of the State Visit to Ireland.

It was Queen Elizabeth’s grandfather, George V, who was the last British monarch to visit Dublin in July 1911. Her own father, George VI, in 1949 became the last British ‘King of Ireland’ when the twenty-six counties of the Republic were declared to be ‘no longer a part of His Majesty’s dominions’ in accordance with the UK’s Ireland Act, 1949. This was the British government’s response to the Irish government’s ‘Declaration of the Republic’ and Ireland leaving the British Commonwealth in April 1949.

The British monarchs were already deprived of any domestic function in Ireland thirteen years previously when De Valera took the opportunity of the abdication of Edward VIII, over his wish to marry Mrs. Simpson, to amend the constitution. Indeed, opinion is still divided over whether the External Relations Act of 1936 was actually necessary to give effect to the succession of George VI in the Irish Free State given that the 1542 Act ‘that the King of England, his Heirs and Successors, be Kings of Ireland’ was already on the Irish Statute Book and only repealed in 1962. The 1542 Act made Henry VIII ‘King of Ireland’ and he duly adopted the heraldic symbol of his new realm—azure a harp or stringed argent—and included this on the Royal Arms.

The British Royal Arms still retain the blue shield with the golden harp symbolising Ireland as part of the realm despite the declaration in the UK’s Ireland Act of 1949. In 1945 the Irish adopted the golden harp on a blue shield as the Arms of Ireland. These Arms are used by the State and by the President of Ireland.

The UK Royal Arms were altered to reflect the political realities in 1801 to remove the Arms of France and in 1837 to remove those of the Kingdom of Hanover. As flags and symbols have always been controversial in our shared history, therefore, if this upcoming State Visit is supposed to represent a ’maturing’ of the relationship between the UK and Ireland, then is it too much to expect that this growing friendship and mutual respect be reflected heraldically by the UK?

‘Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette’ (July 2010)
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/46150860/

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NOTE: It is reported that a visit by the British monarch will take place during the month of May 2011. (Feb. 12, 2011)

'SEPARATE BODIES, SEPARATE ROLES'

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A Chairde,
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The following is the text of the front page article of the June 2010 issue of ‘Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette’ which provides the current position on the Irish government’s proposal to merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission ‘into’ the National Library of Ireland.
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‘SEPARATE BODIES, SEPARATE ROLES’

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During Ministerial questions in Dáil Éireann on Wednesday May 19th 2010 the Minister for Culture, Sport & Tourism, Mary Hanafin, TD acknowledged the sorry state of the National Archives facility at Bishop Street. In reply to Deputies Olivia Mitchell (Fine Gael) and Mary Upton (Labour) the Minister said that ’the storage difficulties at the National Archives are widely acknowledged. A permanent solution would be a new storage building, but in the current economic climate it will not be possible to set aside the necessary resources to construct a new building. However, I am concerned that the best possible use should be made of the accommodation that is currently available to the National Archives. There is a large warehouse behind the National Archives’ Bishop Street offices in which many archives are being stored. Unfortunately, the roof of the warehouse is of poor quality. As a result, many of the records have to be stored in waterproof plastic bales to protect them from damage and are not readily accessible to the public. The other main National Archives record store is located within the Four Courts complex, which makes retrieval difficult and relatively expensive.’

However, besides asking the Office of Public Works to keep the matter under review and to undertake certain remedial works the Minister ruled out any further investment in the building. On the issue of the proposed amalgamation of the National Archives, Irish Manuscripts Commission and the National Library the Minister appears to have taken on-board this Society’s position on the merger. The Minister assured Deputies that she was ‘absolutely satisfied that whatever processes and procedures are put in place will ensure the existence of two separate bodies with two independent directors and two separate roles. Moreover, these roles and the services provided will not change. This proposal is to ensure that such services are improved and that best use can be made of the facilities that would be available for both.’

The matter was raised again by the Leaders of the Fine Gael and Labour Parties on Tuesday June 1st 2010. An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, in reply to parliamentary questions from Deputies Enda Kenny (Fine Gael) and Éamon Gilmore (Labour) clarified his governments plans for the merger of these institutions. He told the Dáil ‘that the Government has indicated that the National Archives, the Irish Manuscripts Commission and the National Library of Ireland shall be merged into a new national library and archives of Ireland. That merger will require amendment of the National Archives Act 1986 and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Mary Hanafin, proposes to update the relevant archival legislation as part of that process. The new draft legislation will abolish three separate existing bodies and establish a new body. The initial draft of the legislation has been completed and transmitted to the directors of the National Archives and National Library and to the chairman of the Irish Manuscripts Commission for their observations. It is intended to bring the legislation before the Houses this year and it is the Minister’s intention to reappoint the council in a new guise in order to advise on the amalgamation process as soon as she has the observations of the directors and the chairman of the Irish Manuscripts Commission.’

Some degree of clarity is slowly emerging on this proposed merger but unfortunately there is still no commitment to any meaningful public consultation. But the continued insistence that this merger will result in savings through the sharing of ‘back-office services and technology’ requires greater scrutiny as such savings, if any, could simply be achieved contractually between the institutions without costly and cumbersome legislative measures. The Minister should focus instead on the benefits of modernising the legislative basis for the State’s archival services.

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Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette – June 2010

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/42458270/

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Michael Merrigan

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LEGISLATIVE REFORM REQUIRED

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A Chairde,

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The issue of the Irish government’s proposal to merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission ‘into’ the National Library of Ireland is certainly coming under increasing scrutiny as the original decision underpinning this so called ‘budgetary measure’ is beginning to look like the proverbial ‘back of the envelope job’.

In a written reply to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Deputy Phil Hogan on April 20th 2010, Minister Mary Hanafin confirmed that ‘the basis on which the decision to merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library was the consideration that more effective use of scarce resources and better value for money can be obtained by combining similar ’back office’ administrative functions together with certain technical functions that are currently common across the three bodies.’

On April 27th 2010 Deputy Hogan sought clarification on ‘the type of technical functions proposed to be merged; the effect that this will have on the respective collections of the institutions in question; the estimated savings from this proposal; the breakdown on the way these savings will be achieved.’

But in a written reply the Minister seemed to offer little by way of clarification saying that ‘the types of technical functions that are common to the institutions in question and which will be considered for merger are: Paper Conservation, Digitisation, Collections Management, Exhibitions, Education and Outreach and Maps. It is anticipated that this will have a beneficial effect on the collections of the institutions and it will be easier to exhibit material from the national collections held than is currently the case. While the exact future cost savings are difficult to isolate it is clear that savings can be achieved by this measure.’

The matter was also raised on April 27th and 28th in Seanad Éireann (Senate) by Senator Ivana Bacik who sought a debate on the proposed merger, however, in reply the Leader, Senator Donie Cassidy, seemed less than forthcoming on any commitment to arrange for such a debate.

No doubt the Minister will face further probing on this issue in Dáil Éireann on May 19th when she is scheduled to take Ministerial questions. But the time for prevarication on this issue is over as clearly any further ‘holding replies’ will fail to convince anyone that the Government has a coherent plan for this proposed merger. Ever since the Minister’s predecessor, Martin Cullen, was forced to admit on Nov. 19th 2008 in Dáil Éireann that ’there may not be any savings’ resulting from this merger, it was abundantly clear that this ’budgetary measure’ lost all credibility.

The Minister’s reply to Deputy Hogan of April 27th is wholly unconvincing as any savings achievable in the areas suggested would be hugely outweighed by the enormous costs involved in the implementation of this proposed merger. It’s time to get real, either drop this nonsensical and fiscally unsound ‘budgetary measure’ or take the opportunity provided to examine the legislative basis of the NAI and NLI.

The Minister should facilitate a meaningful public consultation process to examine the functions and services of these institutions. Such a process could provide the basis for new legislation to modernise, expand and improve on the National Archives Act, 1986 and the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997. This would deliver the ‘legislative amalgamation’ of the institutions whilst retaining their separate functions and identities.

The Minister should seek submissions on:

(1) The NAI in the 21st century including: Archival Policy (other archival resources); Accessibility (30 Year Rule); Digitisation; Local Authority & State Agency Archives; Archives of private institutions; Places of Deposit; Governance; Standing Advisory & User Committees; Links to Third Level Colleges; Education & Outreach Policy; Services to our Diaspora.

(2) The NLI in the 21st century including: Acquisitions Policy; Accessibility; Digitisation; Special Collections (Film, Photographic, Ephemera); Heraldic Services; Governance; Standing Advisory & User Committees; Links to Third Level Colleges; Education & Outreach; Services to our Diaspora.

Undoubtedly, this is a real opportunity for the Minister to produce hugely significant and culturally important legislative reform now. The Minister has a once in a lifetime chance to introduce ‘landmark’ and ‘world class’ archival legislation – such a wonderful opportunity should not be missed for the sake of short term and dubious ‘budgetary measures’.

On a more positive note, the recent decision by the Board of the National Library of Ireland to appoint Ms. Colette O’Flaherty to the position of Manuscripts Keeper and Chief Herald of Ireland is certainly to be welcomed. Ms. O’Flaherty is a highly respected professional librarian who will, no doubt, bring long overdue reforms to the operation of the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland and in doing so, provide Ireland with a professional and internationally respected heraldic service - at long last!!!

Mise le meas,

Michael Merrigan

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HUGE ARCHIVES MEETING IN TCD

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A Chairde,

Dr. Peter Crooks of Trinity College Dublin has to be warmly congratulated on the enormous turnout at the public meeting held in TCD on Saturday April 10th – see posting below.

The meeting was called to highlight the very serious implications of the Government’s proposed amalgamation of the National Archives, National Library and the Irish Manuscripts Commission. Although announced in 2008 as a ’budgetary measure’ this proposed merger, as currently envisaged, could be enormously costly and hugely disruptive.

This huge meeting was moderated by Prof. Diarmaid Ferriter of University College Dublin and was addressed in turn by Irish Society of Archivists representative, Caitríona Crowe, Irish Times columnist, Fintan O’Toole, and TCD Professor Eunan O’Halpin. These presentations were followed by numerous contributions from the floor dealing with all aspects of Irish archival heritage.

Genealogical Society of Ireland Board member, Séamus O’Reilly, raised the serious and anomalous position of the records of the Irish Land Commission which have been moved from the National Archives building in Dublin to a storage facility in Co. Laois. These important records are ‘closed’ to the public, however, a very short Bill could deal with all the imagined or real legal impediments to having the Irish Land Commission records declared public records.

Speaker after speaker condemned the apparent lack of any detailed analysis of the implications of the proposed merger before it was announced as Government policy in October 2008. No cost-benefit analysis, no comparative study, no comprehensive plan and yet, ‘Heads of a Bill’ have been prepared according to various speakers.

Others focused on the need for the Minister to appoint the National Archives Advisory Council (NAAC) under Section 20 of the National Archives Act, 1986, which hasn’t been constituted since 2007. However, if the Minister was to accede to this request now, ironically it could simply render the TCD initiative redundant as the proposed merger could be discussed by the ‘few appointees’ behind closed doors. Indeed, with the Board of the National Library of Ireland and its committees due to complete their first five year terms next month, a long overdue opportunity now exists to open up the membership of these bodies to representatives of academic institutions and of the ordinary users of both the National Library and the National Archives.

Whilst many organisations used the opportunity to publicly air their grievances and their concerns regarding the state of Irish archives, making the contribution on behalf of the Genealogical Society of Ireland, I focused on a strategic response to the proposed merger.

Firstly, the Society cautioned against an open confrontation with the new Minister Mary Hanafin, TD, on this so called ’budgetary measure’ as a cooperative approach may prove more effective.

Secondly, the Society urged the meeting to welcome the possibilities afforded by the required new legislation to deal with the many issues raised. For example, to update the National Archives Act, 1986 to possibly deal with:

+ Electronic data
+ Records of Quangodom
+ 30 Year Rule
+ Historic Medical Records
+ Land Commission Records
+ Places of Deposit
+ Digitisation
+ General Access

And the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 to possibly deal with:

+ Electronic data
+ Web publishing
+ Heraldic services
+ Acquisitions policy
+ Digitisation
+ General access

New legislation offers possibilities to update and to radically overhaul the State’s archival policies and to improve and expand the services offered.

Thirdly, the GSI proffered the idea of ’legislative amalgamation’ that ensures the ’maintenance of the separate functions and identities’ of the National Archives and the National Library as two independently functioning institutions as follows:-

+ Maintenance of identity and function
+ Administrative savings
+ Coordinated policies
+ Expansion of services
+ Accountable governance – including academic and Sectoral representation.
+ Commitment to public’s right of free access
+ Targeted investment in digitisation.
+ Commitment to serve our Diaspora
+ Maintenance of a national inventory of archival collections.
+ Increased powers in respect to places of deposit, standards of maintenance and prohibition on export.
+ Framework for ongoing consultation & cooperation with the Universities and Institutes of Technology.
+ Provisions for the archiving of web based publications.
+ Provisions to ensure that records generated by ‘Quangodom’ are included.
+ Reduction in the 30 year rule.
+ Amending the Statistics, 1993 Act to allow access to Census Records after 70 years.
+ End the anomaly regarding the Land Commission records.
+ Provide for the State’s delivery of heraldic services.
+ Provide for a structured review every ten years to keep pace with technology and usage trends.

Finally, the GSI insisted that the first objective of the proposed ’Action Committee’ should be to demand a meaningful public consultation process in advance of the production of any draft legislation.

I would propose that the Minister should seek submissions from the public and interested bodies on, for example, the following:

+ Services at the National Archives in the 21st century.
+ Archival Policy (other archival resources etc)
+ Accessibility (30 Year Rule etc)
+ Digitisation
+ Local Authority & State Agency Archives
+ Archives held by private institutions
+ Places of Deposit
+ Governance
+ Standing Advisory Committees / User Committees
+ Links to Third Level Colleges
+ Education and Outreach Policy, including services to our Diaspora

+ Services at the National Library in the 21st century.
+ Acquisitions Policy
+ Accessibility
+ Digitisation
+ Special Collections (Film, Photographic, Ephemera etc)
+ Heraldic Services
+ Governance
+ Standing Advisory Committees / User Committees
+ Links to Third Level Colleges
+ Education and Outreach, including services to our Diaspora

As the latter point was the last contribution from the floor, after the meeting many attendees expressed their support for the constructive approach advocated by the Genealogical Society of Ireland. As a totally independent genealogical organisation, arguably the most experienced in legislative matters, the Society has sought membership of the ’Action Committee’.

The GSI views this issue as an immensely important opportunity for legislative reform offering a bright future for both the National Library and the National Archives.

Michael Merrigan

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THE FUTURE OF IRISH ARCHIVES

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Archives in Crisis

A Symposium to Debate the Future of Archives in Irish Society - Saturday 10th April 2010, 15.00hrs to 17.00hrs at the Robert Emmet Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin.

Moderator: Diarmaid Ferriter. Speakers: Fintan O’Toole, Catriona Crowe, Eunan O’Halpin

In 1922 the bulk of Ireland's documentary heritage was destroyed. This symposium poses a stark question: what will be the state of Irish archives in 2022 on the centenary of the Four Courts blaze? Presentations will discuss the cultural significance of archives in Irish society and the proposed merger of the National Archives of Ireland into the National Library. This will be followed by an open forum, during which audience members will have an opportunity to pose questions and share their views on archival policy in Ireland. The meeting will conclude by taking nominations to a new Action on Archives committee, which will seek to make representations to appropriate bodies.

Admission Free – All Welcome

For further information, contact Dr Peter Crooks, pcrooks@tcd.ie (01 896 1368) Organized in association with the Irish Chancery Project, Medieval History Research Centre, Trinity College, Dublin

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Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

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A Chairde,

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At the February 2010 meeting of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, at which, the various nominations for membership of the County Council's Strategic Policy Committees were considered by the Councillors, I was appointed to the Strategic Policy Committee for the Environment, Culture and Community.

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I have been a Sectoral Representative member of the SPCs in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown since their inception back in 1998 and I am looking forward to contributing to the business of the Environment, Culture and Community SPC whilst also furthering my policy objectives in areas such as the protection and promotion of our heritage etc.

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I will be posting regular reports on my pursuit of these policy objectives.

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Regards

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Michael Merrigan