What was contained in the 2024 release?
In the 2024 annual release of State records, there were 35 departmental transfers, with 14,547 individual descriptions of departmental files added to our online catalogue.
Records released include:
- 30-year-old records dating primarily to 1993 from Departments of State and scheduled bodies
- Anglo-Irish records relating to the peace process, Belfast Good Friday Agreement, and subsequent agreements, from the early 1990s to December 2003
A transfer to the National Archives refers to the process by which eligible records (30 years or older) are prepared, documented and physically moved from a department, court office or scheduled body to the National Archives for permanent preservation and public inspection, in compliance with the National Archives Act, 1986.
Issues covered
The files shed light on significant social issues, including:
- The decriminalisation of homosexuality
- The development of Anglo-Irish relations and cross-border institutions
- The complexities of governance during that era
Among the papers are diplomatic quirks, such as an ambassador expressing frustration over a television programme as well as bureaucratic concerns, including officials begrudgingly discussing expenses for hamburgers and beer.
Highlights covered in the media
During our media preview journalists selected highlights from the releases for coverage in the national media and press. The stories can be viewed online:
- State papers 1993-2003: What files are being released this week? – The Irish Times
- Changing timelines make State papers more complicated
- Five other things we’ve learned from the State Papers
- Five other things unearthed in the State papers
Transfers included in the 2024 annual release
Department of the Taoiseach
- Department of the Taoiseach: Central Registry, 1993 (2023/1)
- Department of the Taoiseach: Northern Ireland, 2000 -2001 (2023/154 and 2023/155)
Department of Foreign Affairs
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Anglo-Irish Section, 1999 -2001 (2022/45, 2022/47, and 2022/48)
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Central Registry, 1993 (2023/47)
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Embassy of Ireland to the UK, 1990 (2021/53)
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Embassy of Ireland to the UK, 1991-1998 (2021/54 to 2021/61)
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Embassy of Ireland to the UK, 1999- 2002 (2023/51 to 2023/54)
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Secretary’s Office (2023/48)
Office of the Attorney General
- Office of the Attorney General: Anglo-Irish files (2023/2)
Department of Justice
- Department of Justice: Security and Northern Ireland, 2003 (2023/153)
- Department of Justice: Prisoner/military service pension queries (2023/157)
- Department of Justice: Royal Irish Constabulary (2023/158)