Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
278. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 18 June 2013, his views on a matter regarding libraries in a publicly-funded university (details supplied); and if he will clarify the legislative position in this regard. [40930/13]
View answerAs I have indicated to the Deputy in my previous replies to his questions on this matter, most recently on 18th September, the management of university libraries is entirely a matter for the universities themselves to administer, a function which they carry out in accordance with their statutory autonomy under the Universities Act 1997. I understand that, in general, universities do facilitate access by the public for genuine scholarly and research purposes, where this is possible. Having regard to the many practical considerations involved in the management of a university campus, I am satisfied that this is a reasonable policy which is in full compliance with the provisions of the Universities Act 1997.
