Sir, – I have examined many hundreds of files covering the Emergency period in Ireland, when most paper was of very poor quality. Much of this paper is deteriorating. Paper dust is quite evident and it is quite usual to find paper fragments in the folders. This deterioration is exacerbated by the fact that in some series about 25 per cent of the files contain either press cuttings or even entire newspapers. The storage of newsprint with other documents is contrary to good archival standards. – Yours, etc,
PETER F BYRNE,
Belturbet,
Co Cavan.
Sir, – Everyone would surely agree that providing more staff, better opening hours and indeed, a new larger greenfield site for the National Archives to grow can only be a good thing, but for now, the staff there are doing an excellent job with few resources and should be congratulated for it. – Yours, etc,
CLAIRE BRADLEY,
Swords, Co Dublin.