James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1137: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will sanction additional library staff for the new expanded library facility which remains closed in Malahide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20624/07]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1159: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Department of Finance accept his Department's views on the need for additional staffing in local authorities which have experienced high population growth in view of the increased servicing requirements of these areas; and if the embargo on recruitment will end for such areas. [21029/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1137 and 1159 together.

I am aware of the current staffing needs identified by Fingal County Council in relation to the new library in Malahide and am more generally reviewing the overall employment levels in the local government sector having regard to the need to deliver front line services and achieve value for money within the parameters of Government policy on public service employment generally. As part of the review, my Department is consulting the Department of Finance in relation to the current ceiling on local authority staff numbers, including increased servicing requirements in areas which have experienced high population growth.