Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2017
28. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he has considered the effects of introducing staff-less hours to the public library service and the change of ethos this would potentially bring about across the 23 public libraries being mentioned under the scheme. [2169/17]
View answer33. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will cease the roll-out of staff-less library pilot schemes throughout the country due to concerns of workers that this scheme is precipitating a race to the bottom in terms of employment standards in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2017/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 33 together.
I have no plans to cease the roll-out of the My Open Library service. My Open Library seeks to enhance the library services available and to secure a flexible, responsive and ground-breaking service for as wide a range of users as possible. To this end, the service allows library members the freedom to use the library at times that suit them. It provides additional opening hours from 8am to 10pm, seven days-per-week, clearly enhancing the service for users and providing access for those who cannot avail of the library service during standard working hours.
I do not agree that My Open Library will precipitate a race to the bottom in terms of employment standards. Neither do I accept that it represents a change of ethos within the library service. As previously stated, there will be no reduction in staffing levels or staffed hours as a result of the service, nor will there be any change to the working terms and conditions of library staff. A professional and skilled library staff is vital for a successful library service. To this end, my Department is working with local authorities across a range of areas to enhance staffing resources, maximise staffed library hours and secure the highest possible service delivery for library users.
