Sir, - Senator Paschal Mooney's intervention in relation to Section 13 of the Cultural Institutions Bill (November 26th) seems to have been a constructive exercise in opposition politics. The misinterpretation of Section 13 of the Bill has been allayed by a new wording, yet its central purpose is intact, namely, to designate the Genealogical Office a department of the National Library of Ireland, responsible to the director.
If there has been misinformation abroad, this is primarily the responsibility of the vociferous but not necessarily representative genealogical lobby which has opposed reform of the Genealogical Office tooth and nail at every turn. It is to be hoped that this lobby will now turn, its attention to more constructive activities, such as pressing, for more resources for the National Library and National Archives, and confirming that the on going computerisation of records of birth, marriage and death by the General Register Office Roscommon includes provision for online public research facilities in Dublin and other centres, around the country.
But most importantly, sensible genealogists should ensure that the published plan of the National Library's director and chief herald, Dr Pat Donlon, for improved genealogical research facilities is not left on the shelf gathering dust. As a long term user of the National Library, I should also take the opportunity to express appreciation for Dr Donlon's work to improve library services despite woefully, inadequate resources and to wish her well in her pending retirement, sentiments which I am sure are shared by most genealogists and library readers. - Yours, etc.,
Carraig,
Cliff Road,
Windgates,
Bray
Co Wicklow.