The National Archives Act, 1986 and Regulations, 1988
The National Archives Act, 1986 and Regulations, 1988 are the principal statutes applicable to the management of records of Departments of State, including their disposal or retention as archives. No legislation takes precedence over the National Archives Act, 1986 with regard to the management of public records. Before destruction, retention or withholding of records can take place, the provisions as set out in the National Archives Act, 1986 and Regulations, 1988 must be adhered to.
Under this legislation, records of government departments and their agencies are transferred to the National Archives when they are 30 years old.
Authentication of Documents
The National Archives Act, 1986 (Authentication of Documents), Regulations, 1988 provides the legal basis for the National Archives to authenticate documents and provide a certified copy service.
The National Archives (Fees) Regulations, 2012
The National Archives (Fees) Regulations, 2012 outlines all fees for copying and authentication services.
The National Archives (Amendment) Act, 2018
The National Archives (Amendment) Act, 2018 extended the remit of the National Archives to take in departmental records 20 years and older which relate to Anglo-Irish matters. This was to come in line with changes to UK law which brought in a 20-year rule.
The 20-year rule has started with records from the following departments which were most closely associated with Northern Ireland peace process and North-South relations: the Departments of the Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs, Justice and the Office of the Attorney General.
Revised Act version of the National Archives Act, 1986
The Law Reform Commission has created a consolidated Revised Act version of the National Archives Act, 1986.
It brings together in a single text all amendments and changes to the National Archives Act, 1986, up to 16 September 2025, making the legislation more accessible for all users.
The consolidated Revised Act version can be accessed on the website of the Law Reform Commission at: https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/1986/act/11/front/revised/en/html
It is also available through the electronic Irish Statute Book (eISB) at: National Archives Act, 1986