Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 5

Written Answers - Public Library Projects.

Ivor Callely

Question:

152 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the financial support, if any, which her Department has given to public libraries in each of the years from 1994 to 1996 and the estimated support for 1997; the additional moneys, if any, available in 1997 to improve and enhance library services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5253/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department pays an annual grant to the chief librarian of each local authority. This grant is based on the number of primary school pupils enrolled in each local authority area.

The following tables sets out the allocations and the rates of grant per pupil since 1994.

Year	Allocation	Rate of grant per pupil
	£	£
1994	257,000	0.51p
1995	503,000	1.00
1996	952,000	2.00

I have been successful in securing an increase of 100 per cent in the rate of grant in each of the past two years, as indicated by the above table. I have also secured an increase of £21,000 in the allocation for 1997, bringing the total allocation to £973,000 for the current year.

I will continue to seek to improve this grant in light of existing priorities and resources.