Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

As Minister of State with responsibility for libraries I have a personal responsibility for this area, so it is close to my heart. I reiterate that there have been no applications for staff for Rush library. In fact, Fingal County Council has indicated it will be opening Rush library by reorganisation and redeployment of the existing complement of staff. I understand the contributing problem in this regard is industrial action. It would be inappropriate for me, as Minister of State, to intervene at this point. If that is the only contributing factor, it might be better, rather than becoming involved, to stand back - as the Government has done, by and large - and allow the public sector to cast their votes one way or the other on this matter.