asked the Minister for Education the number of books and manuscripts now stored in the National Library; the number of such not yet indexed; and when a new library will be built to provide adequate accommodation for staff, books and members of the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Library.
40.
There are approximately 650,000 books, manuscripts, pamphlets and deeds in the National Library.
Approximately 3,000 books, a recent acquisition, 8,000 pamphlets and 9,000 deeds have yet to be catalogued.
The manner in which alternative or additional premises will be provided for the National Library is at present under very active consideration.
Will the Minister say is it still intended to use the site in Donnybrook for the National Library or is there now another site in mind?
There are two alternatives. There is the site referred to by the Deputy, or if the College of Art is moved out to the campus at Belfield, we could use the College of Art premises for the purposes of the National Library.
Can the Minister say whether it would be proposed to use the existing premises or demolish the stables now housing the College of Art and provide new premises?
I agree that if we went about it that way, substantial structural improvements would be needed.