Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2019
274. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the average cost of a library card per child; if library cards are free for children; the cost of providing library cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18135/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLibrary membership fees and library fines have been abolished under successive public library strategies with the aim of removing barriers to library membership and use.
Membership fees, which included the cost of providing library cards for both child and adult members, were abolished in all local authorities since early 2017. That said, some local authorities may charge for replacement library cards in certain circumstances with the approach taken varying across local authorities. Library fines were abolished in January 2019 as an early action under the new public library strategy, Our Public Libraries 2022: Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities.
The provision of public library services, including membership and administration procedures, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, my Department has no role in providing library membership cards, and does not collect information in relation to the cost of providing such cards or in respect of charges for replacement library cards. This is solely a matter for individual local authorities.
