O’Connor secures mobile school library service for Tallaght

Dublin South West T.D. Charlie O’Connor has secured a commitment from the Minister for Housing and Local Services Michael Finneran T.D. that a mobile school library service will operate in South Dublin.

“This is great news for the Tallaght area and another major commitment to education services in Tallaght.  Minister Finneran has confirmed to me that funding is being designated in 2011 to provide a mobile school library service in South Dublin,” said Deputy O’Connor.

“The Minister has made a significant commitment to educational services in the Public Libraries Capital Programme 2010-2011 amounting to €7.8 million during this year.  This money will be used to develop and refurbish a range of public libraries around the country.”

“I’m delighted to see that Tallaght is again going to benefit from important Government funding, despite the constraints on the public finances.  The Minister has personally assured me that schools in Tallaght will benefit from the mobile school library service.”

“Tallaght has benefited hugely from educational announcements in recent weeks.  More than 30 schools have been included in the Summer Works Scheme which is upgrading facilities at schools and providing local employment,” added Deputy O’Connor.

“I also want to warmly welcome the Tánaiste’s decision to relieve in a limited way the moratorium on promotions.  Minister Mary Coughlan has announced that primary and post-primary schools with a high level of vacancies will be allowed to fill promotion posts.  I’m delighted the Minister has responded to representations made by myself and other Fianna Fáil colleagues on the impact of the moratorium on schools in particular.”

“The Minister has clearly said that the moratorium has impacted unevenly on schools.  I want to encourage all schools who think this change could apply to them to examine the Tánaiste’s announcement as their school may be in a position to benefit ahead of the new school year,” concluded Deputy O’Connor.