asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on the report of a library survey committee appointed by the Union of Students in Ireland and submitted to her for consideration.
51.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - USI Library Survey.
13.
asked the Minister for Education if she has considered the submission of the Union of Students in Ireland on libraries in vocational education colleges; the proposals she intends to make in response to the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 51 together.
The report on libraries in VEC third-level colleges prepared by the Union of Students in Ireland has recently been submitted to me. I am not at this time in a position to make a statement on the matter as the findings of the report are currently under consideration in my Department.
My Department have an ongoing programme of enhancement in respect of all third-level VEC colleges and are endeavouring to improve facilities generally, including library facilities. Some progress has already been made and improvements will continue to be implemented as rapidly as possible within the current financial constraints.
Would the Minister indicate where the improvements have been made? Is she not concerned about the basic facility of seating? The Library Association of London recommendation of one seat in four is more than exceeded. It is ten to one and in some of the colleges it is 17 to one. The same is true of staff, opening hours and basic facilities. Is the Minister not concerned that in this sector which facilitates access to third level education all the basic components of the library service are below her own Higher Education Authority recommendations, below the fire safety regulations and below the professional librarians' recommended levels of service?
The Deputy asked where there had been enhancement of library facilities. The colleges where improvements have already taken place quite recently are Bolton Street, Kevin Street, Athlone Regional College, Dundalk Regional College and Galway Regional College. A plan for the expenditure of £3 million per year for the period 1990-93 on a rationalisation and capacity enhancement programme for all third level VEC colleges is being submitted for aid from the EC Structural Funds.
I thank the Minister for that valuable information. In those libraries where there are fire dangers, inadequate seating and inadequate opening hours, would the Minister not address these matters urgently, quite separate from the programme of development for the years 1990 to 1993?
The report has only been to hand for two or three weeks and Easter was a busy time for anybody in education. I will certainly be going through the report. We have been enabled even in these difficult times to achieve some enhancement. I will study the report carefully.