asked the Minister for Education the reason the extension to the National Library at 2-3 Kildare Street has not yet been opened although it has been ready for occupation for two years; and if he is aware that the Genealogical Office records are not accessible to researchers or members of the public and that much of the National Library's manuscript collection is packed in crates, uncatalogued, in the squash court of the original Kildare Street Club building, unprotected by fire or burglar alarms.
Written Answers. - National Library Extension.
116.
The use by the National Library of the refurbished premises at Kildare Street is dependent on the provision of additional staff. My Department is in communication with the Department of the Public Service in regard to the question of providing the necessary staffing to enable the new premises to be commissioned. I am aware of the present unsatisfactory arrangements for the storage of some of the Library material but the utilisation of the new premises will greatly alleviate the problems in this regard.