Public inquiries in Northern Ireland are established on behalf of NI Departments or the NI Executive. Records created or received during an inquiry are public records under the Public Records Act (Northern Ireland) 1923, and must be managed in line with statutory requirements.
PRONI provides guidance to help inquiry teams and sponsoring bodies manage information and records throughout the inquiry lifecycle, from creation and use to transfer and long-term preservation. This ensures compliance with legislation, supports transparency, and protects the integrity of the public record.
For detailed guidance, see our downloadable Guidance for Public Inquiries held in Northern Ireland.