LEGISLATIVE REFORM REQUIRED

.
.
A Chairde,

.
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

.

.