asked the Minister for Education the steps that have been taken during the last ten years to improve facilities in the National Library.
100.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Library.
99.
asked the Minister for Education if plans have yet been prepared to improve the National Library.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
No effective steps were taken over the past ten years to provide for a permanent solution of the accommodation problems of the National Library; in fact, the situation continued to deteriorate during that period.
However, since I took over responsibility for the National Library, I convened the interdepartmental committee set up to examine and submit recommendations on the institution's short-term and long-term accommodation requirements and it has now furnished an interim report which is at present under consideration.
Meanwhile, arrangements are in train to obtain additional accommodation for the library's purposes.
Is the Minister seriously suggesting that no steps were taken by the Office of Public Works as a result of representations made to the then Parliamentary Secretary regarding certain matters?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy asked me about the steps that have been taken over the past ten years. My reply was that no effective steps were taken over the past ten years.
The Minister refers to permanently effective steps. Is the Minister trying to tell me that the Office of Public Works did not carry out certain improvements the year before last?
Mr. R. Burke
I am saying no effective steps were taken over the past ten years to provide a permanent solution.
Could the Minister tell me, seeing that he is trying to evade the information I am trying to get from him——
Mr. R. Burke
I suggest the Deputy puts his question to the Minister for Finance.
The Office of Public Works acts as an agent for the Minister for Education.
Mr. R. Burke
It does.
It is not a matter for the Minister for Finance. It is a matter for the Minister for Education as far as policy is concerned.
Mr. R. Burke
And I am saying that no effective steps were taken in the past ten years.
For a permanent solution?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes.
But there were steps taken to improve the situation.
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance for a number of years; he might enlighten the Dáil as to what these were.
We cannot have a debate.
It is not a debate I am looking for. The Minister is not anxious to admit that certain steps were taken which were to the satisfaction of the committee. Could I ask the Minister if it is proposed to extend the library on its existing site or to find a new site for it——
That is a separate question.
—— and have efforts been made over the past ten years to provide such an alternative site which was not acceptable to the trustees? If they tried to find an alternative place for the library, that is certainly a step taken for a permanent solution.
Mr. R. Burke
In reply to the question asked, I am glad to be able to say that practical steps to improve the accommodation situation in the National Library are being taken, and my Parliamentary Secretary will make a statement in the matter shortly.
All the preliminary work was done, but the Minister will not admit it.
101.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the interim report of the interdepartmental committee on the provision of space in the National Library.
Mr. R. Burke
The report in question is confidential at this stage and I am not in a position to make a statement on it.