I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1 and 47 together.
The National Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. every weekday, until 9 p.m. on two evenings per week and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Recently some doubt arose about evening and Saturday opening due to withdrawal of overtime by some staff but this restriction was, in the event, averted by the staff agreeing to continue overtime working. The library, as with other State services, has suffered staff losses but through the co-operation of staff and overtime working its services have been substantially maintained.
A management survey has been carried out in the library and the recommendations of this survey will be available shortly. A new director has been appointed and will take up office in the coming weeks. In addition, an extra assistant is being appointed through the Civil Service Commission and that appointee should be available shortly.
I will review the situation when these developments have taken place to see what their effect is on the efficient functioning of the library.