asked the Minister for Education the number and rank of the established staff of the National Library of Ireland, and the reason for the delay in filling such vacancies as arise; and when the posts now vacant will be filled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Library.
54.
Mr. Ryan
The established staff of the National Library is:
Director
2 Keepers
2 Assistant Keepers
7 Assistant Librarians
1 Senior Library Assistant
5 1st Class Assistants
5 2nd Class Assistants
1 Cataloguer
4 Clerk-Typists
8 Attendants
The only vacancies existing on the staff relate to three posts of Assistant Librarian which are now in the process of being filled as a result of an open competition held by the Civil Service Commissioners. The making of arrangements for such competition must necessarily entail delay in the filling of posts.
55.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Education the interest of the Royal Dublin Society in the National Library of Ireland, and the influence which the Society at present exert in the same library.
The National Library of Ireland derives from the former library of the Royal Dublin Society. That library had, during the 19th century, been in receipt of a Parliamentary grant towards the cost of the purchase of books. By the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act, 1877, the Society's lands were transferred to the Commissioners of Public Works and the library itself was transferred to the Department of Science and Art, the successor of which is the Department of Education.
By an agreement, dated 1 March, 1881, between the Commissioners of Public Works, the Department of Science and Art and the Royal Dublin Society the National Library was placed under the superintendence of a council of 12 Trustees, eight of whom are appointed by the Royal Dublin Society.
56.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Education the nature and value of the contents of the presses and boxes in the public main entrance hall of the National Library.
The presses and boxes in the main entrance hall contain a collection of maps, deeds and charters. There could be no question of endeavouring to assign a value to them.
57.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Education whether, in connection with the development of a new National Library, and change in the ownership, trusteeship and administration of the Library is contemplated; and, if so, if he will state the nature of such changes.
As has already been announced by the Taoiseach, an inter-Departmental Committee is at present examining the question of the administration of certain institutions and services concerned with the arts, including the National Library of Ireland. I am, therefore, not in a position at present to make any statement on the matters mentioned in the Deputy's question.
58.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Education if, having regard to the continual deterioration in the number and quality of modern books being purchased by the National Library, he will increase the amount of money allocated annually to the Library for the purchase of books.
I am not aware that the position is as stated in the Deputy's question. The money being allocated annually for the purchase of books represents the full amount requested for that purpose on behalf of the Trustees of the National Library.
59. D'fhiafraigh
Mr. Ryan
den Aire Oideachais ar díríodh a aird ar thuairisc faoi staid na Leabharlainne Náisiúnta; agus ar mhaith leis ráiteas a dhéanamh i dtaobh an ábhair.
Chonaic mé an tuairisc atá i gceist ag an dTeachta. Níl fúm aon ráiteas a dhéanamh i dtaobh ábhar na tuairisce. Ní hionann san is a rá, ámh, go bhfuilim ag glacadh leis an dtuairisc mar chur síos cruinn ar scéal na leabharlainne.