Director
The Director of the National Archives is responsible for the strategic development and operational management of the National Archives.
The Director also has statutory duties under the terms of the National Archives Act, 1986 with regard to the preservation of, and access to, archives and the transfer and destruction of records. The Director is a member of the board of the Irish Manuscripts Commission and the Council of National Cultural Institutions, and represents Ireland at European and International events.
National Archives Director: Orlaith McBride
Corporate and Finance Services
Corporate Services is responsible for the corporate governance and office service functions involved in the operation of the National Archives, including the development and implementation of corporate governance and risk management policies and procedures.
This unit also oversees the management of all archival storage within the National Archives. The responsibilities include securing archives in optimal conditions, maintaining precise data for document retrieval, and managing the movement of archives to and from the Reading Room.
Finance Services is responsible for the management of the National Archives budget payment processing and reporting, in compliance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform requirements.
Head of Unit: David Noonan, Assistant Principal Officer
Public Services and Collections
The Public Services and Collections unit offers several key services to support researchers and care for the records in our custody. These services are designed to enhance the accessibility and usability of the archives, ensuring that researchers and the public can effectively engage with the rich historical resources available
Public Services
Public Services is tasked with delivering high-quality services to researchers and users of the archive. The responsibilities include overseeing the reading room, managing the website and social media platforms, and addressing public queries about our collections and the management of the Advance Order system.
The section plays a crucial role in engaging the public, coordinating group visits, and delivering lectures on the National Archives’ work and collections. It also represents the institution at a variety of events.
The Reprographic section is responsible for reproduction services which provides copies of documents to the public, including certified copies, licensing, copyright and permission to publish. As part of this work the section carries out digitisation projects and plays an integral role in the continued expansion of digitised collections available online.
Conservation
The Conservation section play a pivotal role in ensuring the ongoing preservation of archives under our care. The team collaborates closely with colleagues to identify and evaluate damaged collections and to carry out necessary repairs when needed. Collections selected for digitisation must undergo conservation assessment to guarantee the highest quality image capture. Additionally, all incoming materials must be evaluated to prevent any contaminated archives from entering the storage facilities.
Conservators are crucial in providing continuous training to colleagues and government departments on proper archive handling and usage to minimise potential damage. This training encompasses guidance on using archival-quality storage materials and correct procedures for archiving documents.
Head of Unit: Zoë Reid, Keeper
Archives and Government Services
Archives and Government Services unit is primarily responsible for collecting and managing records as stipulated by statute in the National Archives Act, 1986.
These include records of all departments of state over 30 years old, the records of 61 scheduled bodies as set out in the Act, the records of the Courts at all levels and tribunals or bodies established by government.
Archives Management
The Archives Management section provides guidelines for government departments on the transfer of records to the National Archives.
They are also responsible for the provision of training to bodies covered by the National Archives Act, 1986 on the transfer of records to the custody of the National Archives and their release to the public. Much of the work of the section involves the creation of finding aids (catalogues) to our records holdings, the administration of the online catalogue and the listing of recent and backlog transfers.
Current Records
The Current Records section provides advice and guidance to government departments and public service bodies on a range of matters relating to the management of records under their control. The section is responsible for administering requests to destroy records that do not merit permanent preservation under the terms stipulated in the National Archives Act, 1986. The destruction of records by departments and bodies subject to the National Archives Act, 1986 is prohibited without a destruction certificate signed by the Director of the National Archives.
Court Records
The Court Records section accession and catalogues archives from the Courts Service for the National Archives. It handles records from the 1540s to the 1990s, with pre-1982 records accessed by original references. The Court Records section surveys court records, assigns unique codes, and creates modern finding aids for the Reading Room and online catalogue. It collaborates with the Courts Service to ensure compliance with the National Archives Act, 1986, and provides necessary training and guidance. Records from the Probate Office and District Probate Registries are transferred to the National Archives after 30 years.
Head of Unit: Helen Hewson, Keeper
Digital Management
This unit has responsibility to oversee the development and implementation of a digital archiving infrastructure as set out in our Strategic Plan, Shaping Our Future in the Information Age, 2021–2025.
This unit works with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer to develop a digital preservation strategy for the civil service and to strategically align modernization initiatives throughout the agency. It also integrates records management and archiving principles into these procedures, including retention and disposal policies.
Head of Unit: Niamh McDonnell, Keeper