Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
264. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of concerns that schoolbooks under the free schoolbooks scheme are not being covered (details supplied) resulting in a shorter lifespan; if she is satisfied that the guidelines for the scheme are being adhered to; what measures will be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46173/23]
View answerEarlier this year, I announced details of Ireland’s first national primary free school book scheme, which will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks, in recognised primary schools and special schools from this September.
The total investment, of over €53 million, significantly increases the funding for school books previously provided to all recognised primary schools and special schools in the country. The implementation of the measure builds on the experience of existing school book rental schemes which were available in the majority of recognised primary schools before this scheme was implemented.
The Board of Management/relevant ETB for each school is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of the new scheme. Schools are permitted discretion in how the free schoolbook grant funding is used on the understanding that it eliminates the overall cost for parents of schoolbooks, workbooks, copybooks and, where possible, some related classroom resources.
The scheme is designed to achieve value for money and schools are expected to adopt a cost conscious approach which includes implementing a loan scheme whereby books are reused where possible. There is nothing in the scheme which precludes schools, who already operated a book rental scheme, from continuing to use books which were previously being used as part of their book rental scheme or from using second hand books generally.
The guidelines outline that in so far as is possible, schools should make every effort to reduce wastage under the scheme and it is recommended that a cover is placed on all books. Schoolbook shops and suppliers may provide a book-covering service at a cost or a school may decide to provide its own book-covering service or consider requesting parents to assist with this task.
The guidelines also outline to schools that parents should be reminded that pupils are expected to mind their books and keep them in good condition during the year. It is a matter for each school to monitor the condition of books as they are returned at the end of the school year as part of their planning, budgeting and ordering books for the following year.
A full evaluation of the first year of implementation of the scheme will be undertaken by my Department in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, in order to inform the guidance, implementation, costs and efficiency of the scheme for future years.
