Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 65: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of public access internet PCs in libraries here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21377/08]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Over the period 1999 to 2007, my Department has provided over €12 million in grant aid towards various ICT projects in the public library service. The funding enabled the provision of public access Internet PCs, the automation of library systems and the development of a significant number of other grant aided ICT services/projects, including the Ask About Ireland and Borrow Books websites.

Public library authorities report a total of 1,634 ICT terminals in 329 out of a total of 352 library service points at the end of 2006, which is the latest complete year for which details are available and represents a 93% infiltration across the public library network. There has been a further significant increase in the number of internet PCs since then as 15 new/extended libraries have opened during 2007 and to date in 2008. In a national survey of public library users carried out in September 2007, 87% of users rated public library internet provision as either good or very good.

I recently launched the new public library policy document Branching Out — Future Directions. The new policy document sets out a redefined vision for the public library service through a series of priorities and recommendations which include the further enhancement of ICT provision throughout the library service. This document will drive the policy for the public library service in Ireland over the next five years.