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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 11

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

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that soldiers' children of school-going age, because their fathers are in State employment, are not in receipt of the benefits of the scheme for the provision of free school books; if he will see that this disqualification is removed.

The answer to the first part of the question is no. With regard to the second part, the children of soldiers are not disqualified from benefit under the scheme. The manager of the school is free to apply the grant to the best advantage and the decision as to the children to whom free books are to be supplied rests with him.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that soldiers' children have been refused books in some schools in Dublin, on the grounds that their fathers were in State employment and that they were not entitled to receive their books free? Will the Minister give instructions to the effect that they are entitled to share in the free school books scheme?

I do not think that calls for any answer.

Mr. Byrne

It is the same question. I ask the Minister if he will give instructions to that effect?

Mr. Byrne

Will the Minister for Local Government and Public Health keep quite? He has no right to prompt the speaker. I am asking the Minister for Education——

The Deputy should not repeat a supplementary question three times.

Has the Minister for Education power to intervene in a matter like that, where there is such a definite refusal and, if he has power, will he undertake to intervene or consider any cases sent to him?

Mr. Byrne

There is no answer.

Can the House not be informed, in reply to Deputy Byrne's questions, whether soldiers' children can be refused free school books under the free school books scheme, simply because they are soldiers' children?

That is a separate question.

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