asked the Minister for Local Government if it is his intention to provide An Chomhairle Leabharlanna with funds from which they can provide financial aid to local authorities for the improvement of their library services during the year 1960-61; and, if so, if he will state the nature and extent of such moneys and the approximate date upon which they will be made available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Library Council Funds.
35.
The members of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna have asked me to meet them to discuss the issues involved in applications made to them for financial aid for certain public libraries. I propose to meet them as soon as a date suiting our mutual convenience can be fixed. Arrangements are at present being made to select through the Local Appointments Commissioners a person for appointment to the recently created post of Director in An Chomhairle. When I have discussed policy with the deputation and when the new Director is at their service, I expect that An Chomhairle will then formulate specific proposals as to the projects which they would recommend for assistance by way of grants. Until such proposals are received and considered by the Departments concerned, I shall be unable to indicate what projects may be assisted by grants or when such grants may fall to be provided.