asked the Minister for Education if the report of the inter-departmental committee which he convened to examine and submit recommendations on the National Library short-term and long-term accommodation requirements has yet been furnished; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Library.
29.
This committee have already submitted two interim reports and their work is continuing.
This is a matter about which the Taoiseach is very concerned. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the deplorable conditions in which the National Library is now compelled to operate, with books on the floor, which are not only a fire hazard but a hazard to people's limbs?
I am so aware.
Can we not make some progress in this matter? The previous Administration carried out some improvements but these were only of a temporary nature. Can we not get some indication as to what the proposal will be, whether the library will be resited or whether adjoining buildings will be taken over? Can we get any clue about this matter?
I agree with the Deputy that the situation is serious.
Indeed, for 50 years no permanent extension took place to the space available to the National Library. I am glad to say that since this Government came to office they have done something. In the first instance, on the 30th August it was announced that premises in Leinster Lane were being added to the space available for the National Library and I am glad to be able to announce that the premises at No. 4 Kildare Street are also being made available for the National Library.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that several alternative sites were offered to the committee who run this library? The Leinster Lane negotiations started long before the present Government took office.
I am telling the House that the time for talking about alternatives has passed. This Government have provided extra accommodation in Leinster Lane and are providing extra accommodation in No. 4 Kildare Street.
When will this be announced?
I am announcing now about the premises in Kildare Street. The other matter was announced before.