Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the rationale behind the decision to merge the National Library and the National Archives; the envisaged cost savings this move will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1134/12]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 486: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will confirm whether any value-for-money reports or cost-benefit analyses have been carried out with regard to the plans to merge the functions of the National Library and the National Archives; and if the contents of such reports will be made accessible to the public before any rationalisation occurs. [1260/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 486 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the priorities set out in the Programme for Government for the rationalisation of State Agencies state that rationalisation must be cost effective and lead to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service. The overriding imperative is the requirement to effect savings and achieve administrative efficiencies in all areas of expenditure and to reduce overheads. This underscores the need for radical streamlining of bodies, including the amalgamation of some bodies, so that public services and functions can be delivered more cost-effectively. It was in this context that the decision was made by Government to amalgamate the National Library and the National Archives. The amalgamation was examined in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, a copy of which is published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The implications for the two bodies arising from this decision are currently being examined within my Department.