asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the National Library may have to close in the evenings and on Saturdays in view of staff shortages; and if, in view of the implications that such a move would have for those engaged in research, especially students and those carrying out research in their spare time, he intends to take any steps to provide additional staffing for the library to ensure that it is able to continue with its existing opening hours.

47.

asked the Taoiseach the reason the National Library is to close in the evenings; if his attention has been drawn to the fact many students can only use the facilities there in the evenings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1 and 47 together.

The National Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. every weekday, until 9 p.m. on two evenings per week and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Recently some doubt arose about evening and Saturday opening due to withdrawal of overtime by some staff but this restriction was, in the event, averted by the staff agreeing to continue overtime working. The library, as with other State services, has suffered staff losses but through the co-operation of staff and overtime working its services have been substantially maintained.

A management survey has been carried out in the library and the recommendations of this survey will be available shortly. A new director has been appointed and will take up office in the coming weeks. In addition, an extra assistant is being appointed through the Civil Service Commission and that appointee should be available shortly.

I will review the situation when these developments have taken place to see what their effect is on the efficient functioning of the library.

I want initially to welcome the appointment of the new director to the National Library: I think it is the first time that a woman has been appointed as director and the Government have to be congratulated on that. Nonetheless I want to ask the Taoiseach if he would not agree that while the problems in the library of staff and manning have been averted for the time being it is really only for the time being and unless serious steps are taken to redress the severe shortages there, the problem is likely to recur. I should like the Taoiseach to comment on that.

As I said by way of reply, there is a survey under way at the moment and when that survey is available and the new director has taken up her appointment we will review the position.

Will the Taoiseach advise the House by whom the management survey is being carried out and will he indicate in a general way the terms of reference of the survey, having particular regard to the problems indicated in the question asked?

The Deputy is going into a lot of detail which may require specific questions.

The survey is being carried out by experts in the Department of Finance at the request of my Department. It is generally to consider the whole situation as regards staffing, facilities and so on and report to us. As I said, at least one new assistant will be appointed and when the report is available we will review the position.

I want to remind the Taoiseach that 45 years ago when he and I were students and the country's GNP per head in real terms was one-third of what it is now, the National Library was open every evening until 10 p.m. Would the Taoiseach agree that it would be desirable to get back to that position so that the library would be available for students until that hour, which even in those impoverished days we were able to afford?

I agree with the Deputy. It was a very pleasant ambience and fruitful place in which to work and the hallmarks of it can be seen on both himself and myself today.

I want to ask one question.

A very brief and relevant question, please.

I hate to intrude on the reminiscences of two very honourable Members of the House but may I ask the Taoiseach to ensure, whatever else will happen, that at least the hours during which the library is open in the evenings, and particularly on Saturdays, will remain because of its importance to people who are working and for those who cannot otherwise——

That is the essence of the question. We are having repetition. Ceist 2.

I was merely asking the Taoiseach to ensure that the status quo will at least remain until matters are reviewed.