Vol. 498 No. 6
133 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will implement, in the context of the library service, the report, Branching Out; if he will arrange for extra provision of Internet kiosks to be provided in all libraries; the steps, if any, he is taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28147/98]
The review of public library policy, Branching Out — A New Public Library Service, sets out a strategy for the development of the service and makes recommendations for better service delivery, infrastructure, including ICT infrastructure and stock.
Implementation of the recommendations in the report will require action on the part of a number of different bodies, including my Department, An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, local authorities and a number of other Departments and agencies. Discussions with some of these bodies on implementing specific recommendations have already commenced. I propose to arrange for roundtable discussions early next year, to agree an implementation timetable, when the various parties will have had an opportunity to fully consider the report's recommendations. The implementation of the report's recommendations on ICT, including the provision of Internet access to the public will be dealt with as part of this process.
In the meantime, I am taking action to implement the report's recommendations with regard to infrastructure. The increased provision for libraries in my Department's Vote, up from £3.2 million in 1998 to £7.6 million in 1999, will enable significant progress to be made in the grant-aiding of suitable projects and the provision of additional stock.
