Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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349. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if, referring to the 2013 report from the strategic working group on shared services in public libraries, there is a cost-benefit analysis report to support the shared services approach to library services for certain towns and cities; and if so, if he will provide this report. [27108/16]

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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350. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if, referring to the 2013 report from the strategic working group on shared services in public libraries, this shared services approach has been piloted to date and if savings have been made; and if so, the details of the savings made. [27109/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.

The report Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services details proposals for an alternative senior management model for certain library authorities. The authorities proposed for the new model include Carlow and Kilkenny; Cavan and Monaghan; Laois and Offaly; Longford and Westmeath; and Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.

The new model will put in place strategic planning and implementation arrangements in each of the five areas that will deliver more effective and efficient public libraries with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services. Moreover, it will ensure the long-term sustainability of the library service in Ireland.

The model was developed on foot of a risk assessment. A cost-benefit analysis was not carried out, however, as the approach was identified primarily as a means for achieving a greater and more equitable standard of library service rather than for the purpose of driving greater cost efficiency or savings.

The model has not been implemented to date. A working group has been established to consider if an alternative approach, that yields the same results, can be developed. The group includes my Department and local authority Chief Executives. It is expected to complete its work by end-October this year. It is too early to comment on detailed implementation arrangements, including the piloting of proposals in certain areas. All options will be considered by the working group with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the library service in the local authority areas concerned.