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

The outgoing board wrote to me at the end of its term, at a time of change for the library, with its members' thoughts on the challenges facing the institution. There were, however, also some good things in the letter in which they expressed their appreciation of the interest I had shown in the library since I had taken up office. In turn, I appreciate their efforts in serving on the board for the past five very difficult years. They said it was remarkable, against a backdrop of cuts since 2008 and the public service embargo, that the library had delivered significant initiatives, including the digitisation of the 1916 collection and parish records and increased visitor and public engagement levels, both directly and online. I look forward to working with the new board and its chairman, Mr. Paul Shovlin. I intend to call the first meeting of the new board in the coming weeks. Much of the advice provided for me by the outgoing board was related to the need to put in place a board with a range of suitable skills and backgrounds to oversee the operations and strategic focus of the library. I believe the incoming board will meet that test.

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