asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that there is grave and growing concern amongst parents of children attending the primary schools regarding the frequency with which changes are made in the list of books required for each particular class, with the result that books cannot be passed down from older to younger children and parents are put to unduly excessive fresh expense each year; and, if so, whether he will state his proposals for remedial measures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Changes in School Books.
I am not aware that there has been any grave concern amongst parents in regard to this matter in recent years.
The unnecessary changing of books is discouraged by my Department. Some years ago a notice in the following terms was issued to managers and teachers for their guidance:—
(1) In a separate class or standard in charge of one teacher, the readers and textbooks, when selected, are not to be changed, unless in exceptional circumstances, for a period of years.
(2) In a division, consisting of two or more classes or standards combined, in charge of one teacher, a similar principle is to be adopted. The readers and textbooks, when selected, should be changed in any year only to the extent which is absolutely necessary. In such cases, of course, pupils will require fresh reading matter, and possibly fresh textbooks, in their second year in the division, but the same readers and textbooks should be used in the division every third year at least. The provision of fresh textbooks, as distinct from readers, by pupils in their second year in a division should be reduced to a minimum.
The notice continued: Under this arrangement it will be possible for books, kept clean and in good order, to be transmitted to brothers and sisters of pupils who have used them or to be acquired by other children who need them, and, as a consequence, the cost of book equipment to parents of pupils of national schools will be considerably reduced.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, can the Minister say whether any check is made to see that the regulations to which he refers are carried out? Is he satisfied that those regulations are in operation at the moment?
The terms of the circular are still in operation and, among other matters, a check is kept on these. No representations of any kind have been made to me in the matter. I shall see that some attention is given to it. In the meantime, if there are any cases to which any Deputy thinks my attention should be called, I shall be glad to investigate the situation more fully.