Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if research has been carried out to provide a broad range of music services in our public libraries; the percentage of music materials in library stock; if there are extra charges for access to music provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6724/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Section 78 of the Local Government Act 2001 deals with the functions of library authorities. Section 78 (2) (a) of the Act provides that a library authority may, in particular, arrange for the provision of premises and facilities (including mobile facilities) for the borrowing of and reference to books and other printed matter, tapes and discs (being audio, video or both) slides and such other material, including material available by means of computers and information technologies, as it considers appropriate. The adoption of a library development programme, which may include the music services to be provided, is a reserved function of the local authority.

Branching Out, Future Directions, the policy document on the development of the public library service in Ireland, published in 2008, recognises libraries as centres of culture. In terms of libraries as resources for cultural expression, Branching Out, Future Directions, recommended that priorities would include the development and enhancement of a range of cultural programmes including music events.

An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (the Library Council) collects statistics on the public library service throughout Ireland. In 2009, the latest year for which full statistics are available, music materials made up some 1.7% of total materials held in library authority collections.

Under Section 66 (10) of the 2001 Act a local authority may make such charges for the use of, admission to or otherwise in relation to amenities, facilities, services or any other thing provided as it considers appropriate.