Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
30. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the public sector hiring embargo is leading to library closures; the total number of days per year libraries here are closed due to the embargo; his views that a derogation is warranted to keep libraries open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29848/14]
View answerPublic Library Authority Statistics – Actuals for the years 2002 to 2011, published by the then An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, are available at http://www.askaboutireland.ie/libraries/public-libraries/publications/public-library-statistics/.
The audit statistics for 2011 indicate total opening hours of 10,462 as compared to 10,626 at the end of 2008, constituting a 1.54% decrease.
The Service Indicators in Local Authorities, published by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in respect of the years 2005-2012 are available at http://www.lgma.ie/en/serviceindicators/2004to2012.
The average (median) public opening hours per week for full-time libraries show a decrease of 1.7% from 2008 (38 hours) to 2012 (37.35), and a decrease of 0.4% for average (median) number of opening hours per week for part-time libraries from 2008 (15.6 hours) to 2012 (15.54 hours).
The Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2012 noted “There is limited evidence that reduced funding has directly led to a reduction in the number of opening hours provided. However, a small number of local authorities submitted contextual comment indicating some impact on individual library services, for example, some libraries have reduced from full-time to part-time, or closed during lunchtimes due to staff shortages.”
My Department’s policy of grant aiding new library development has resulted in the creation of additional posts, leading in some cases to an increase in opening hours in certain library authorities during the period. My Department has implemented Government policy for frontline services in sanctioning local authority requests for frontline posts whenever possible. In addition, local authorities have continued to place a priority on the provision of frontline services to the public and work to ensure that any impact of reduced resources, including staffing and funding, is minimised. As such, while there have been some reductions in opening hours in some cases due to the non-filling of posts and financial constraints, the impact has been minimised to the greatest extent possible.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for Chief Executives, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained.
My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services, and economic issues are given precedence.
