ROBERT C. DAVISON,
Madam, - I write as chairman of the Council of Irish Genealogical Organisations (CIGO), a Dublin-based umbrella organisation for bodies in Ireland and elsewhere Ireland which have an interest in all matters concerning genealogy/family history research.
My curiosity was aroused by Steven C. ffeary-Smyrl's letter of January 16th about access to Government and Departmental records, particularly those belonging to the General Register Office.
I would be interested to hear the Minister for Health and Children, Michéal Martin, explain why, when I visit the National Archives, I can see the returns for the 1911 census for all of Ireland for nothing, but if I visit the General Register Office (GRO) for information from a marriage record from 1845 the only way to obtain this is to pay €1.90 for a photocopy.
Both sets of records, census and civil registration, were compiled under the authority of the Registrar General. The census returns were deposited with the National Archives many years ago but the older civil registration records remain with the GRO.
In light of Mr. ffeary-Smyrl's comments about the GRO having provided its statutory public service through access to microfilm copies of its records for over 25 years, the reason that office's records have not been transferred to the National Archives can hardly be that its records are in regular use and that parting with them would be to the detriment of the service provided.
I wonder what would be Mr Martin's response if Belfast City Library applied to purchase copies of the microfilms for the period up to 1900? - Yours, etc.,
ROBERT C. DAVISON,
Chairman, CIGO,
Shore Road,
Kircubbin,
Newtownards,
Co Down.