Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
27. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to make a statement on the issue of staff in libraries being subjected to threats and intimidation; and if there any plans by her Department to develop a policy for dealing with these incidents and supporting the staff in our public libraries. [49642/23]
View answerThe provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the protection of staff in libraries is primarily a matter for the local authorities.
However, I support the sentiments expressed by the Taoiseach in his letter to library staff on the 21st August last which conveyed the Government's support for staff in our public libraries. The Taoiseach expressed his solidarity and support for the vital work that library staff are doing and stated that no one has the right to intimidate anyone in their place of work.
I am advised that a Standard Operating Guidance document on Protests and Disruptive Behaviour in Libraries was developed by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), City and County Librarians and Health and Safety Officers. It was distributed to the library sector on the 28th August and I have been informed that this has been well received by staff. Furthermore, throughout 2023 the LGMA has been providing online training resources for library staff to help them cope with disruptive incidents and intimidating behaviour. Local authorities have also delivered in-person training for their staff in the same area.
My department has convened meetings with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Justice, attended also by the LGMA and An Garda Síochána representatives, to ensure a co-ordinated response to the recent protests at libraries
