asked the Minister for Education if the Government have plans to improve the National Library.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Library.
29.
Mr. R. Burke
I assure the Deputy that all possible solutions to the library's problems are at present being pursued as a matter of urgency. Additional staff has already been sanctioned and measures to alleviate the accommodation difficulties are in train.
In view of the fact that a new building is being built across the road from the National Library would the Minister consider acquiring part of it for the National Library?
Mr. R. Burke
I take it the Deputy is referring to the private building?
Yes.
Mr. R. Burke
I recently visited the National Library and met the Board of Trustees and we discussed this matter in some detail and I am now considering the proposals of the Trustees.
I understand there has been some pressure from the Leinster House authorities towards securing that, when the new College of Art is built, the area vacated will not be allocated to the College of Art but should be allocated to Leinster House itself. Has the Minister any views on this?
That seems to be a separate matter.
It is a question of the National Library; either it goes into the College of Art or it does not.
Mr. R. Burke
Whether it does or not is not totally within my control. I can assure the Deputy that I am taking a special interest in all the relevant aspects of this matter.
The Taoiseach has expressed great concern about this matter in the past few years and I expected a more positive attitude from the Minister.
Mr. R. Burke
One cannot reasonably expect that I shall have made decisions in relation to all these matters within a few months. I discussed the position with the Trustees over a long period and I actually visited every square inch of the National Library. I am taking a personal interest in these developments.