asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that at least ten files listed in the index of the Public Record Office in London concerning relations between Ireland and Britain in 1948 are not now available to the public for inspection and if any representations have been made in the matter.

17.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports that the British Government have been persuaded to withhold certain sections of their archives on Anglo-Irish relations between 1948-1951; if his Department were involved in or aware of requests not to publish such papers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

18.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, made to the British Government requesting non-publication under the "30-year rule" of certain papers relating to the year 1949 and if he will make a statement on the matter.

19.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has given any consideration to, or has received representations in regard to a report (details supplied) concerning allegations that a number of files have been withdrawn from State archives either here or in Britain following pressure or representations by retired officials of the Irish Public Service when it appeared likely that certain State documents would be released either here or in Britain under the 30-year rule and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 to 19, inclusive, together.

I have had this matter investigated and I am satisfied that the allegations contained in the press reports which promoted these questions are completely without foundation. The question of the availability of a country's official archives for public inspection is, of course, a policy matter for the government of the country concerned.