Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I am glad the Deputy reminded me of that Bill because we should try to make progress on it. I will seek an update on that. On the library issue, we have a public library strategy 2023 to 2027. We are genuinely committed to continuing to invest in our libraries. The evolution of our libraries has been a source of collective national pride at a time when other countries are reducing their investment in and funding of their libraries. Some are even closing down libraries.

It might be useful for me to arrange for the Deputy to have a briefing with the CSO or officials as appropriate on this. The census is a highly important moment in gathering data. We need that data to help us develop services and plan for our future. I have been learning about this recently. The CSO has gone through a very extensive process with an advisory group but the questions the Deputy raised are valid. I do not have the expertise on the floor of the Dáil to answer them accurately. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler, who has responsibility in this area, to come back to the Deputy and arrange for him to have a briefing and direct answers to his questions.

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