Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2016
22. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to conduct a full and independent analysis of the staffless libraries pilot scheme on which the current roll-out scheme is based. [35444/16]
View answer79. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that the continued roll-out of the staffless library scheme will not result in staffing hours being cut. [35445/16]
View answer83. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will reconsider the plan for opening libraries without the necessary skilled staff in view of the nationwide ballot of librarians on the issue of staffless libraries and the widespread public opposition to this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35478/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 79 and 83 together.
From the outset, I want to make it clear to the Deputies that there will be no reduction in staffing levels or staffed hours. A professional and skilled library staff is vital for a successful library service and my Department is working with local authorities to enhance staffing resources and extend staffed library hours.
‘My Open Library’ is an initiative under Opportunities for All, the national public library strategy 2013-2017 and is part of a strategy to address customer demand. To this end, My Open Library allows library members the freedom and flexibility to use the library at times that suit them. It provides additional opening hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days-per-week, ensuring access to library services for users who cannot avail of them during regular staffed hours.
An extended pilot phase of the ‘My Open Library’ initiative will commence in 22 branches from January 2017 and, subject to review, will be considered for wider introduction across the public library network thereafter. I am satisfied that the learning from the original pilots, which operated in Banagher, Tullamore and Tubbercurry from November 2014, and the very positive feedback from library users, justify extending the pilot phase without the need for a further review.
