Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Library Services Provision

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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518. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the closure of the local studies library (details supplied) in Ballywaltrim, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29414/14]

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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520. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the closure of a library in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29442/14]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 520 together.

The management of library services, including the deployment of resources across the range of services in a county, is a matter for each local authority.

Overall staff numbers within local authorities are subject to the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Public Service, which was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department.

My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests, public safety, maintaining key front line services and economic issues are given precedence.

My Department works closely with Wicklow County Council in relation to the Council's overall staffing requirements. In June 2014, the Council submitted a number of staff sanction requests for library positions. This staffing request is being considered and a decision will issue to the Council in due course.

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