Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive report. I agree that there is a need to reform the library service. We both acknowledge the importance of libraries and the services they provide for communities, in particular, rural communities. What I am taking from the Minister of State's response is that there will be no library closures in County Sligo - I am glad that he has confirmed that fact - and no service reductions. We can take these two positives from our deliberations. Will the Minister of State or his Department seek clarification and reassurance from the chief executive of Sligo County Council to the effect that no libraries will be closed for three or four weeks this summer? That is important. What the Minister of State has told the House is good news and we will not be slow in telling the people of County Sligo. Fair play to him for standing by them and making this commitment, for which I thank him. Will he give an undertaking to make contact with the chief executive of the county council to determine whether there has been a misunderstanding or lack of resources or whether anything can be done to ensure no library service will be curtailed during the summer months?