Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The issue I wish to raise is library services across the country and the strategy paper that was produced, entitled Opportunities for All. It is a very worthwhile strategy but, unfortunately, there has been a negative outcome from it with regard to the shared procurement. The changing balance means that the 65% that was always deemed a service has now been changed to 65% relating to lower costs. The outcome is that when the shared tendering process happens, UK companies are winning it hands down. This was highlighted at the time the strategy was first discussed.

Will the Leader raise this issue with the Minister and ask him to look at it again? A librarian from Mayo who contacted me said that the change in the new system means that where previously they could have a book on the library shelves within 30 minutes, it is now six weeks. If a library wishes to buy a local history book, it must go through the shared procurement system. It might not even be in print in the UK, which means further delay. It is having a negative impact on publishers, writers and small bookshops across the country. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

The other issue I wish to raise is the remarks by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, on the DART underground. There is a need for a full discussion, as Senator Ardagh requested. Technology has changed. When the DART underground was proposed for Dublin it involved a dual-bore tunnel. Technology has moved on immensely since then and costs have come down. The latest metro system built in Spain was a single bore tunnel. That option would reduce the cost of a DART underground in Dublin by approximately one third. This must be reviewed urgently. The Minister should come to the House to have a full debate on transport issues for the greater Dublin area.