asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of adverse public comment as to the conditions of the National Library: what action he intends to take to improve conditions there; if he is aware of similar comment in regard to the National Museum; and if he proposes to take suitable action in the matter of improvement without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Library.
99.
I have recently appointed Dr. Kenneth Humphreys, a librarian of international standing who has for many years been secretary of the Standing Conference of National and University Libraries in Great Britain to carry out a survey of the functions and requirements of the National Library and to report to me on the steps necessary to enable it to fulfil its functions. The provision of additional accommodation for the library is also under active consideration and in the meantime the pressure on the accommodation in the existing building is being eased through additional storage space being provided elsewhere.
In so far as concerns the National Museum additional accommodation will be made available through the reconstruction of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. Every effort will be made to expedite this work of reconstruction.
Is the Minister aware that there has been widespread concern recently because of the number of books, manuscripts and so on which should have been acquired by the National Library but were not acquired because of lack of facilities? Some of these have now gone out of the country. Will the Minister take any steps——
I do not think that that is quite accurate.
I have been told that such is the case.
That may be so, but I do not think it is quite accurate.