Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for selecting this matter which relates to library services in County Sligo. I live in Dublin, but the issue has appeared consistently on my desk in recent weeks. Community representatives from County Sligo and the county's mayor, Councillor Marie Casserly, have raised it with me.

There are three principal libraries and a mobile library service in County Sligo. We all know the benefits of a library service. Anyone living in rural Ireland, in particular, knows what they are. It is not just about books but also the associated services in terms of the arts, culture, heritage and the availability of after-school clubs. Many things are happening in these three amazing libraries. I salute the chief executive of Sligo County Council who has a very difficult job, as do the elected members, in difficult financial circumstances in dealing with management and governance issues that we need not detail but about which we all know. Every local authority must manage its own finances which councillors of all parties and none accept. One of the three libraries mentioned will close for three weeks during the summer because of resourcing issues. The service is operating at half staff capacity. Arriving at a library to find its doors locked because someone is out sick has been known to happen. If it does not have the staff, it cannot open. There are many good reasons for this.

I will not use too much time, as I want to hear the Minister of State's response to this important issue. His response is more important. I might comment subsequently.