Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1572. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider public libraries to run click and collect services under level 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32878/20]
View answer1573. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the arrangements made to ensure that the library service continues to function on a click and collect basis to ensure that vulnerable persons can continue to have access to the library service. [32924/20]
View answer1574. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has circulated an instruction to local authorities to cease call and collect public library services for the duration of the current level 5 restrictions. [32926/20]
View answer1575. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason it is deemed essential for public library staff to attend work when the library cannot open to the public; the work within the closed public library that makes the staff there essential; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33246/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1572 to 1575, inclusive, together.
My Department has not issued any specific instructions to local authorities regarding the ‘contact and collect’ library service. The ‘Plan for Living with COVID-19’, issued by Government, states that all museums, galleries and other cultural attractions, including all public, school and academic libraries, are closed to the public under Level 5 but are available for online services. The public health risk is deemed such that people are being asked to stay at home, apart from essential work or attending school. It is vital that we limit our contacts and trips outside of our homes and this currently includes visits to the library. That said, some libraries are offering a delivery service of library items including books, audiobooks and DVDs to vulnerable households, in line with arrangements put in place earlier this year to support those who were cocooning.
An excellent online library service is available nationwide and my Department has invested some €400,000 in the online service this year alone. It provides access to more than 48,000 eBooks and 33,000 audiobooks, 4,000 magazines, 2,400 online newspapers from over 100 countries, more than 500 e-learning courses and 100 online language courses.
The provision of the public library service is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Under the Act, each local authority Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of their local authority and this also applies during the current pandemic. Accordingly, it is a matter for each Chief Executive to determine what is essential work for their staff.
