Relatively few people
work in Irish ancestral research, whether as professional
genealogists, record agents or indexers. APGI's
active membership has never been higher than 25
and there are 23 current full members. Despite the
small numbers, APGI is a busy group. One of its
most visible undertakings is in providing the Genealogy
Advisory Service (GAS) in partnership with the National
Archives of Ireland. This guides hundreds of overseas
visitors who wish to do their own research, providing
them with a strategy for their particular case and
giving them time saving tips. The first GAS began
in 1989 at the Genealogical Office as a one-to-one
consultation facility, operating on a fee-paying
basis. In 1998 it was transferred to the National
Library and converted into a less detailed but more
accessible free consultation service (which APGI
operated until January 2007). In January 2003 similar
facilities were introduced at the National Archives.
APGI also acted as one of the Supporting Organisations
of each of the four Irish Genealogical Congresses,
held in 1991, 1994, 1997 and 2001. In addition,
on each occasion it provided free advice for participants.
Behind the scenes, APGI is an enthusiastic member
of the Council of Irish Genealogical Organisations,
a body which promotes better research facilities
for all. It also has two representatives on the
board of Irish Genealogy Ltd., the government-backed
agency which is to implement the Irish Genealogical
Project.
