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

The VAT rate is a matter for the Department of Finance. I hear what the Deputy says but it will be a decision for the Minister for Finance. I hope I will be in a position to increase funding but I have to work within major constraints in terms of the budget.

Dr. Sandra Collins was recently appointed director of the library. Sandra is a very welcome addition and I wish her well in her new role. The Deputy is aware that the library is an essential part of our cultural infrastructure and there has been a very positive increase in visitor numbers. The digitisation project has been very successful and will play an important role in the 2016 commemoration. I was at the library a number of weeks ago and launched its annual review of 2014. There is a great sense of enthusiasm and the new services it is providing, such as the digitisation of the Catholic parish registers, have been a huge success. I accept that there are challenges but I will continue to work with the library and provide whatever support I can.

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