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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 May 1943

Vol. 89 No. 19

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

asked the Minister for Education whether, in connection with the supply of free school books, there is a means test applied, and, if so, whether he will state the manner in which poverty entitling a school child to free books is determined; further, whether he will consider the advisability of providing free books for all children attending primary schools who desire to avail of the service.

The decision as to the pupils to whom free books are supplied rests with the managers.

In the case of schools in centres of dense population, where managers may not be aware of the domestic circumstances of the pupils, a form is supplied on which a parent or guardian is asked to indicate the family income so that the claims of the very necessitous may be met as fully as possible.

The scheme makes provision for necessitous children only. It is not considered advisable to supply free books to all children who desire to avail themselves of the service.

Mr. Byrne

Why use the words "very necessitous"? The Act refers to "necessitous" children and we are all anxious to get that word removed. Why does the Minister use the words "very necessitous"? Are soldiers' children entitled to free books?

As between the "very necessitous" and the "necessitous," it is suggested that the "very necessitous" should have priority.

Mr. Byrne

The Act refers to "necessitous" children and not to "very necessitous" children, which is the term now introduced by the Minister, for the first time. Is he aware that soldiers' children are not getting free school books and why?

That is a separate question.

If soldiers' dependents are necessitous within the meaning of the Act, the question properly arises out of the main question: why that class of necessitous children are not getting free school books?

Are they necessitous?

Does the Minister say that they are not necessitous within the meaning of the Act? Is that the view of the Minister for Education? Does the Minister for Education adopt that view?

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