Vol. 417 No. 5
15 Mr. Enright asked the Taoiseach if he has satisfied himself with the existing arrangements at the National Library regarding the hours the library is open to the general public; whether he has any plans to extend the opening hours of the National Library; and if he has satisfied himself with the existing service available to the general public.
The National Library is open six days a week, including three late night openings and Saturday morning. It is not intended to extend the opening hours of the library from their present level in the foreseeable future because of the considerable extra cost involved. I am satisfied that, within the level of resources available at this time of constraint on the public finances, the National Library is providing an excellent service to the public. The present opening hours were arrived at following a survey of the requirements of the library's readers over a period of months and are considered to be the most equitable possible in the present circumstances.
I agree that an excellent staff provide a limited service. Is the Minister of State not aware that the National Library is closed on Tuesday mornings, Wednesday mornings, Thursday evenings, Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons, Saturday evenings and all day Sunday? Would he agree that that is a very limited level of accessibility for people from the country who may wish to carry out some studies while in Dublin? It is not good enough to have such restrictions because our National Library is there for the public.
It closes for the month of November?
As the Deputy is aware, the National Library is open on Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The present opening hours were arrived at following an extensive survey of the requirements of the library's readers over a period of months. Because of the financial constraints, this is the most equitable arrangement that could be arrived at in the present circumstances.
For how long is it envisaged that the Library will close for the month of November?
I have outlined the present opening hours and the plans for the future. May I point out to Deputy McCartan, and others, that it is estimated that it would cost approximately £74,000 if the Library were to remain open until 9 p.m. on five nights instead of the present late opening on three nights. That would necessitate additional staffing of one assistant keeper, two library assistants, four library attendants and one science and art attendant. Additional staff would be required if we made changes in the opening hours.
I am sorry to interrupt the Minister but we must proceed to deal with Priority Questions.
