asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied with the level of co-operation between the National Library and the libraries of Trinity College, Dublin, University College, Dublin, and other third level education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There is considerable co-operation and exchange of information and expertise between the libraries on a day-to-day working basis. Modern information technology is further enhancing the potential for this. Co-operation is also facilitated through the director's membership of the committee of national and university librarians.

Will the Taoiseach state if there are any proposals to link all the libraries by way of a common computer data base and will he indicate the present position in relation to that?

There is no proposal to link all the libraries but progress is being made in electronic co-operation between them.

Will the Taoiseach agree that the whole problem of cataloguing in the various libraries could be substantially overcome if they were linked by a common computer system? Having regard to the fact that they are now likely to embark on individual computerised systems to store and retrieve their information will the Taoiseach agree that it is in the interests of all concerned — particularly the taxpayer — to have a common system or at least compatible systems?

My advice is that the matter is under active consideration and examination at present.