I 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.