Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

6. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the recent merger of the Chief Herald function and the genealogical function at the National Library of Ireland into a new division and the fact that family researchers account for the single biggest user group at the National Library of Ireland, her plans to offer greater resources to the National Library of Ireland to assist in this function and take advantage of efficiencies offered by the merger to allow the National Library of Ireland to generate more user-derived income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32178/15]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This question relates to the resources available to the National Library. Fairly recently, the Office of the Chief Herald was amalgamated with the genealogical function. Essentially, it has been looking at significant efficiencies. I think it is "efficencied out" at this point, and it is down to the core function. The single biggest user group is family researchers, which is a very positive thing. It is about looking for resources in the context of the budget to support that.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While my Department provides funding to the national cultural institutions, the management and board of each institution are responsible for all operational matters and I do not have a statutory function in this regard. It is the responsibility of the management and the board of each institution to determine the spending priorities for their individual institutions, based on the resources available to them.

I am aware of the reorganisation of the management structure in the National Library. As part of this, the heraldic responsibilities of the Office of the Chief Herald and the genealogical services now constitute a single business area. I understand that the library considers that bringing genealogy and heraldry services together better acknowledges the connection between these areas and highlights the unique offering of the library as both a centre for genealogical research and the home of the heraldic authority for Ireland.

Indeed, I note the success of the library's recently launched Parish Registers website, which has had almost half a million visitors since its launch. The digitisation of those records will be of great assistance to those who wish to research their family history and will have a particular resonance for the Irish diaspora, which until now has faced significant difficulties in easily accessing this type of information.

I am aware of the pressures faced by the National Library, along with the entire public sector, given ongoing fiscal constraints. In that context, I was pleased to ensure there would be no reduction in funding for the arts and culture areas of my Department for 2015 and I secured an additional €2 million in funding for the national cultural institutions, including an increased allocation in 2015 of €600,000 for the National Library. The future funding needs of the library will be carefully considered, having regard to the resources available to my Department in the context of the ongoing budget and Estimates process.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At its peak in 2007, the National Library had €13.2 million, taking into account capital and current amounts. This was reduced to €6.3 million in 2014, again based on capital and current amounts. I acknowledge that there was an improvement this year, but there were extra demands because of that new service, which is more than welcome. I salute the library for its efforts in respect of the church records. It has been forced to scale back on many of its operations. The largest number of requests are from family research groups, which means there is a role in terms of tourism. Once people find their connections, they will visit the area, so it has a definite return. Things that are not being done include the national collection, only 1% of which is conserved to international standards. I have told the Minister on several occasions that there is a fire risk associated with the collection. It is the kind of thing in respect of which we need to learn lessons from our previous history.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that there are issues at the library and I am very aware of them. I am conscious of that and want to see investment in the library increase in the year ahead, but we are working within major budgetary constraints. The economy is doing well, but it is fragile and there will be difficulties. The Deputy can rest assured that I will be putting the case forward for the library. I have always said that as the economy continues to improve, I would like to be in a position to give more funding to our cultural institutions. Major constraints are still out there. Budget negotiations are under way. Of course, it is my hope that I will be in a position to increase funding for the library next year, but I must await the outcome of the budgetary process.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to make a comment on returns. Currently, there is a 9% VAT rate on the hospitality sector and some of that is welcome but does McDonald's and other such companies need a 9% VAT rate? Could it not be more targeted? If there is not going to be a rowing back on this, could the money not be found for something that actually delivers a return to a particular sector, even the tourism sector in the context of the National Library? Can the Minister make that kind of input into the budget?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | 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.