Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy’s concerns about the fire hazards in the National Library. An audit of safety and security of the library's collections was carried out sometime ago and outside personnel were brought in to examine it. I accept there is a need for further investment in this regard. As the economy continues to improve, I hope we will be able to increase investment in our cultural institutions. Unfortunately, we came through an economic crisis and funding was cut. As matters improve, it is my intention that we will provide further funding to our cultural institutions.

We need to be very mindful of any fire risks in the library. I will speak to the library’s management about this and raise the Deputy’s concerns with them. There are arrangements in place to protect the collections.

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