A Chairde, The following Parliamentary Question and Written Answer of Tuesday 20th April 2010 may be of interest: (TEXT) National Library. PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION: 627. Deputy Phil Hogan (Fine Gael) asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost base analysis carried out that led to the decision to merge the National Archives with the National Library of Ireland; the results of this analysis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15333/10] REPLY: Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Mary Hanafin): 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 scare 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. (END TEXT) Further info. on the Oireachtas see: www.oireachtas.ie and on the Genealogical Society of Ireland see: www.familyhistory.ie The Society's position on this merger proposal is outlined in the current issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' see: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/33747300/ Mise le meas, Michael Merrigan General Secretary GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND www.familyhistory.ie