asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that the high cost of school books imposes a heavy burden on many parents; and whether he will investigate the possibility of reducing the cost of such books, whether by subsidy, grant, or other suitable means.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of School Books.
61.
There is a scheme in operation in my Department for providing State aid towards the cost of supplying school books to necessitous children attending national schools. My Department also urges, in its annual circular to managers and principal teachers regarding the list of approved text books, that care be taken to see that school books are not changed too frequently. I do not at present propose to take any further steps in the matter as I do not feel that it is one which should be given precedence over other educational items which will demand added expenditure from State funds.
Does the Minister not think that the provision of books at a reasonable cost should be one of the top priorities in the educational system? Will he say whether or not the scheme of assistance to which he referred applies only to national schools and not to secondary schools?
The reply to the second question is that, to my knowledge, it applies only to national schools and is for necessitous children. As I said, I do not think it warrants being given precedence over other what I think are more urgent educational items. It is important, but I do not think that, in order of priority, it could be of the first importance.
Does the Minister consider that the high cost of school books for students in, say, secondary schools is a fairly heavy burden on parents?
The extension of post-primary education to a wider range of the population would take priority over that.
I do not know how that answers my question.
Rather than make secondary education more luxurious for those who can afford it, I would prefer to see it available to more people.
"More luxurious"?
In a manner of speaking.
Does the Minister not appreciate that there are children of poor parents who in many cases would appreciate it but who cannot avail of it because the cost of the books is prohibitive?
We have arranged through a scholarship scheme to extend scholarships to 5,000 or 6,000 extra of these children who are of the material to benefit from that type of education. However, the extension of post-primary facilities would take priority over making the suggested arrangements for school books——
I do not know if the Minister has considered this problem recently. Would he say he is at least considering a scheme to help certain parents to provide these expensive books for children who take up secondary education?
It is a consideration and an important one, but it is not one that takes precedence over other urgent educational matters.
Like what?
The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.