Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and giving me an opportunity to bring some clarity to it. Yesterday, I spoke at an event in Tullamore library. I was delighted to be present for the launch of two very important initiatives involving longer opening hours and ease of access when no staff are present. The intention is that people can access the library by means of a pincode and card, which makes it available 365 days a year for much longer hours, at weekends and on Christmas Day. Libraries are adapting and changing the way they do their business and all the staff in the libraries are to be commended on all the great work they are doing in coming up with new ideas and dealing with challenges. In recent years libraries have been restored to playing a central part of the community and they are doing a great job.

The Government is committed to driving on the process and progressing with the changes in the services offered to the public and to make library buildings more accessible to the public in terms of longer hours and the facilitation of community events. As Deputies, we attend many such events and the focal point provided by libraries is evident to us. We wish to enhance that and build on it rather than trying to reduce services on the ground. It is not correct to say that the rationale behind the shared service model will threaten the service, as that is not the case.

I understand there has been concern among some IMPACT members regarding proposed changes to public library structures. Under Opportunities for All, the national public library strategy 2013 to 2017, a review of the existing organisational structures was recommended in order to establish stronger, more effective and efficient public libraries. Following on from that, a working group was established to examine the potential for shared services in the public library service. The working group determined that the current structures in terms of organisation, workforce and service delivery were in need of reform in order for the public library service to be in a position to maximise service delivery opportunities and achieve best outcomes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and customer service, which is what I witnessed yesterday when I visited the library in Tullamore.

The key challenge in the current structure is the need for the creation of scale for existing library authorities. In order to achieve that, the working group determined that a new shared services structure for library authorities should be established, with a minimum population target of 100,000 as an appropriate basis for determining a libraries' shared services structure. The working group's recommendations were set out in the report, Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services. The local authorities identified for shared services are County Cavan and County Monaghan; County Laois and County Offaly; County Longford and County Westmeath; County Carlow and County Kilkenny; and County Sligo, County Roscommon and County Leitrim. It is also recommended that Cork city and County Cork, which are currently the only affiliated city and county services operating individually, should be operated as a shared service. It would appear to be common sense that such a change would happen.

There will be no closures of any libraries under the initiative but rather an enhancement of the services available in the smaller local authorities. I made the point yesterday that it is very often the case that the library is the key building in smaller towns and villages and the key focal point for the community. We wish to protect and enhance the position of libraries and safeguard them for the future. The intention is to ensure that no matter where one lives, one will be able to avail of the extensive services the libraries now offer. Earlier this year, my Department announced a €22 million capital investment programme which underpins my and the Government's commitment to the library service in Ireland. The proposed model seeks to put in place planning and implementation arrangements that will deliver more effective and efficient public libraries with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services. That will ensure the long-term sustainability of the library service in those areas.

Libraries are evolving and becoming the centre for community engagement. The library service now plays a very important role in community life. In addition to what many still perceive to be the traditional preserve of the library, namely, book lending, the local library now offers so much more. It provides educational supports, community meeting facilities, business support, study spaces, and cultural and research supports, among other areas. It provides a space and a range of services that communities might not otherwise be able to access. My Department, through the new initiatives, wants to build on that and to enhance the services that already exist.

Under the proposed model, the city or county librarian would lead a central management team under the shared library management model with the establishment of a single library headquarters. The new enhanced management structure would provide a more efficient allocation of functions across senior management and enable strategic planning and a better focus on an increased range of services to the public.

In recent months my Department has been engaging with the respective local authorities to explore the implementation of the shared library management model. We are open to working with the local authorities concerned and if an alternative approach that yields the same result is suggested, we will consider it and work with the parties involved to achieve the best possible outcome for all.

See this speech in context