MICHAEL MERRIGAN, MA, FGSI: Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire Link Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Tuesday 26 February 2008

Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire Link Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The member oganisations of the Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire Link will celebrate its tenth anniversary at a function to be held on March 15th 2008 in the Trearddur Bay Hotel outside Holyhead, north Wales. This unique international organisation promotes cooperation and friendship between the communities in Ynys Mon (Anglesey) and the Dublin region through regular meetings, workshops and other events. I have been an active member of the Link since 1998 and greatly value this type of international cooperation. Indeed, on behalf of the Genealogical Society of Ireland, I have presented a number of important discussion documents to the plenary sessions of the Link over the years. Currently the Link is involved in formulating a proposal for INTERREG funding for its activities and to encourage innovation, development and enterprise. Our shared cultural heritage is a central theme running through the Link’s activities and objectives. Individual members of the participating organisations are invited to attend the 10th anniversary celebrations. For further info. contact John Paul Durkan, Link Secretary, E-mail: durkanjp@gmail.com for costs, reservations etc.

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MY NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS ON LEGISLATION

I have a strong record of campaigning on various legislative matters for the past fifteen years. Scrutinising proposed legislation and proffering suggestions for amendments aimed at improving the legislation or protecting the rights of the citizen.

In collaboration with Teachtaí Dála and Senators of all parties and none, I have successfully achieved amendments to Bills in both Houses of the Oireachtas. Most notably The Statistics Act, 1993, The Heritage Act, 1995, The National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997, The Copyright & Related Rights Act, 2000 and The Civil Registration Act, 2004.

I have made submissions to Teachtaí Dála and Senators on The Registration of Deeds & Title Act, 2006, The Civil Unions Bill, 2006, Defamation Bill, 2006, Privacy Bill, 2006, The Land & Conveyancing Law Reform Bill, 2006 amongst others.

I collaborated with Sen. Paschal Mooney, (Fianna Fáil) to successfully achieve around twenty-eight amendments to the National Cultural Institutions Bill, however, this legislation still has some fundamental flaws.

Therefore, after five years campaigning for the introduction of new legislation, I decided to research and draft proposed legislation. In May 2006, Sen. Brendan Ryan (Labour) sponsored the introduction of my Bill. The Genealogy and Heraldry Bill, 2006 had its Second Stage reading in Seanad Éireann in December 2006. This Bill sought to provide a sound legislative basis for the State’s delivery of heraldic services, especially the granting of Arms.

I shall continue to press for further legislative protection for our heritage and for a greater voice to the voluntary and community sector.