Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
777. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when approval will issue to Cavan County Council in respect of a position (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30366/15]
View answerThe report Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services contains detailed arrangements for the planning and implementation of new structures in order to establish stronger, more effective and efficient public libraries and deliver better library services to local communities and citizens. This includes proposals for a new shared services structure for library authorities and a shared services structure for affiliated cities and counties that would result in a single management structure with consequent resource efficiencies. My Department does not currently have an application on file from Cavan County Council for a permanent County Librarian. The establishment of a new post of County Librarian is being considered as part of the new library shared services structures being established for Cavan and Monaghan. I expect this to be progressed once discussions with key stakeholders are concluded and implementation arrangements are finalised.
Under the new model, frontline services will continue to be locally focused, people-centred, with opportunities for enhanced individual and community support services and engagement. The increased capacity resulting from the new structures will increase the scope for developing and enhancing services to the public, providing a broader range of services to the same high standard across the country. This initiative does not involve the closure of libraries and, over time, the shared management structures will increase the scope for developing and enhancing services to the public, providing a broader range of services to the same high standard across the country. Indeed, there will be no decrease in the number of library services or library branches arising from Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services.
