Dáil Éireann - Volume 270 - 28 February, 1974

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athlone Library Assistant.

Mr. Wilson Mr. Wilson

90. Mr. Wilson asked the Minister for Education why he refused to sanction a second library assistant for the Regional Technical College in Athlone: why the library did not open until 15th January, 1974; and if he will state his plans for the future development of the library.

Mr. R. Burke Mr. R. Burke

Mr. R. Burke: I did not refuse to sanction a second library assistant for the Regional Technical College in Athlone. The date of opening of the library was decided locally and was not subject to my sanction.

Plans for the future development of the library are a matter in the first instance for the board of management of the college.

Mr. Wilson Mr. Wilson

1932

Mr. Wilson: Would the Minister not agree that the date of opening [1932] the library depends on backing from his Department with regard to books and librarians? I would like to ask why the Minister's Department did not sanction the employment of the second library assistant for Athlone?

Mr. R. Burke Mr. R. Burke

Mr. R. Burke: The regional college libraries are in an early state of development. The staff provided by the county authorities are occupied to a great extent on the classification and cataloguing of new books. In these circumstances the hours of opening are 9.30 a.m. to 5.0 p.m. That was not the decision of the Department. It is reasonable to assume that when the work of cataloguing is completed the staff will be able to meet all reasonable demands in relation to opening.

Mr. Wilson Mr. Wilson

Mr. Wilson: Is there a specific book grant for the Regional Technical College in Athlone or is it generally for library work?

Mr. R. Burke Mr. R. Burke

Mr. R. Burke: That is a separate question. I will answer it if the Deputy puts down a further question.

Dáil Éireann 270 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Athlone Library Assistant.

Questions

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