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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free School Books.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the facilities for procuring free school books are not being availed of to the full by pupils urgently in need of the books because, it is stated, in many cases the parents consider some of the questions contained in the application form to be of an objectionable kind; and if he will see that the form is revised so as to remove the means test application.

I am not aware that the facilities provided for procuring free books for necessitous pupils are not being availed of to the full for the reason given by the Deputy.

The form to which the Deputy refers was designed for use, if found necessary, in schools in large centres of population where managers and teachers may not be aware of the domestic circumstances of the pupils in attendance.

Parents are asked to indicate on this form the family income with a view to securing, as provided in the scheme, of which I am sending a copy to the Deputy, that the "claims of very necessitous children such as those whose parents are in receipt of home assistance, widow's pension, or financial aid from charitable organisations or are casual workers in receipt of very small wages will be met as fully as possible before the claims of the less needy are "considered".

No representations have been officially made that there is dissatisfaction on the part of any parents with regard to the filling of the form.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that soldiers' wives with large families and inadequate allowances cannot benefit from the issue of free school books, and will he see that they are permitted to get the advantages mentioned in the Act originally so that free education, as far as possible, will be given to their children?

That does not arise out of this question.

Mr. Byrne

I am telling the Minster that soldiers' children cannot get these books.

I do not think that is true.

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