Written answers

Thursday, 27 January 2022

Department of Rural and Community Development

Library Services

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

375. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that all public libraries are equipped with devices (details supplied) that read text aloud to assist those with dyslexia or those with sight loss; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4026/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The provision of a public library service is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. However, my Department provides funding to supplement investment by local authorities in their library services. Funding is provided as a contribution towards the cost of developing library buildings, technological capacity and other areas of activity that enhance local library services.

In 2019, capital funding of €690,000 was provided by my Department for sensory equipment and facilities in public libraries which were approved in response to a call for proposals to library authorities. The aim of this funding was to improve the library experience and services for children, teens and adults with sensory impairments, additional needs, learning difficulties, those on the Autism spectrum and their parents, guardians and carers. While this Call for Proposals included Assistive Technology such as C-PEN readers, no such readers were sought by the authorities.

In 2021, funding of €200,000 was made available under the Dormant Accounts Fund for a specific Digital Equity and Social Inclusion initiative, which included Assistive Technology, such as C-PEN readers. I understand that a number of local authorities purchased Assistive Technology as a result of this funding, including C-PEN readers.

As part of the Dormant Accounts 2022 Action Plan, a further €150,000 will be made available to library authorities for the Digital Equity and Social Inclusion Programme which will again allow for the purchase of Assistive Technology, such as C-PEN readers. This Call for Proposals will issue to all local authorities shortly and it will be a matter for each authority to submit their funding proposals to my Department for approval.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.