1.1 Functions
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna was established under the Public Libraries Act, 1947, and its functions, as set out in the Local Government Act, 2001, are:
a. the provision of advice, assistance and services to library authorities in relation to the public library service,
b. the making of such recommendations to and the provision of such services for the Minister [for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government] in relation to the public library service as the Minister may request or as the Council sees fit,
c. action to promote and facilitate library co-operation, and
d. the maintenance and operation of the central library established under section 2 of the [Public Libraries] Act of 1947.
On 31st December 2008 the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Michael Kitt, TD, signed the Copyright and Related Rights (Public Lending Remuneration Scheme) Regulations 2008, which designated the Director of An Chomhairle as the Registrar of the Public Lending Remuneration (PLR) Scheme.
The functions of An Chomhairle have, accordingly, been extended as follows:
e. such other functions as are specified in regulations made … under section 42A of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000.
1.2 Membership
An Chomhairle consists of a Chairman and twelve other members appointed on a five year basis.
The Chairman is appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government after consultation with the Minister for Education and Science.
Two members are appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the remaining members are appointed by the Minister on the nomination of specified bodies.