Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2013
87. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the public should but does not have the right to enter and use the libraries of publicly-funded universities in view of the fact that to promote learning in society generally is one of the statutory objects of a university. [20949/13]
View answer92. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether members of the public should have the right to enter and use the libraries in public funded universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20991/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 92 together.
The governing body and management authorities of a university are responsible for deciding its policy in relation to access by the general public to its library or other facilities and I have no role in the matter. It is a function of the university, as an independent statutory body, to determine appropriate arrangements and regulations concerning public access that are consistent with its objects under the Universities Act 1997.
