Sir, - That old chestnut, repeated by Sean Murphy (October 21st), that the Genealogical Office was founded in 1943 has once again to be refuted, or what. ever one does with old chestnuts. The title of Genealogical Office arose from a need to call the office something when another link was broken with the British Commonwealth.
Logically it should have been called the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, but there is no doubt but that it is the successor to the office of the Ulster King of Arms, which was created in 1552. This is easily confirmed by consulting any reputable book on the subject. The Genealogical Office continues a long tradition and there is now an opportunity to restore its independent place in Ireland's cultural heritage.
Mr Murphy also makes a rather ambiguous comment that there has been some improvement in public access to the Office. I don't know just what sort of public access to the many ancient, easily damaged and irreplaceable records is envisaged by Mr Murphy, but we have the assurance of the Deputy Chief Herald that, provided a day's or so notice is, given, anyone interested in consulting the records in that Office will be facilitated. Until more facilities are available, it is difficult to expect any more than this. Seeing what happens to books in public libraries, I hardly think that Mr Murphy is advocating that these records be placed on open access.
do, however, agree with him on one point, and that is the need to increase staffing levels in the Genealogical Office, National Library and National Archives. However, I am also satisfied that the sensible" genealogical lobby is addressing these issues in the appropriate fashion, rather than offering further red herrings for the politicians to debate.
Yours, etc..
St Assam's Avenue,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.