I propose to take Questions Nos. 500, 501, 505, 506, 514, 528, 536 and 553 together.
The qualifications for the post of library assistant in the local authority library service were amended in 1996 following a recommendation from a working group on which local authority managers, the then local government staff negotiations board and my Department were represented. The qualifications were also agreed with An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, the Library Association of Ireland and staff interests. The new qualifications were intended to broaden the candidature, update the educational requirements and test a current knowledge of spoken Irish as distinct from a leaving certificate result.
Given the role of the library service as a cultural and educational resource, and the fact that both Irish speaking and English speaking members of the public are entitled to an adequate library service, it was concluded that applicants for the post of library assistant should have a sufficient knowledge of both Irish and English to enable them to perform their duties in both languages. The requirement in the qualifications is not an onerous one and simply demands a reasonable level of everyday Irish such as to enable the applicant to communicate in the language. The general means of testing the candidates in this regard is a brief straightforward oral interview, and neither total fluency nor a knowledge of unusual terminology should be necessary. However, in view of the representations I have received on this matter, I will have this requirement reviewed in consultation with all interested parties.
