asked the Minister for Local Government if he has taken any steps to meet the demand made by An Chomhairle Leabharlanna to meet the needs of local libraries.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the proposals which An Chomhairle Leabharlanna has submitted to me for the grant of financial aid to local authorities for the improvement of their library services under Section 16 of the Public Libraries Act, 1947. These proposals are at present being examined.

Could the Minister say if an important part of these proposals are devoted to making greater facilities available for the provision of books for school libraries through local authorities?

Library facilities for schools are incorporated in the proposals received in my Department from the Comhairle.

And they are receiving consideration?

At present, yes.