asked the Minister for Education if, having regard to the serious injury which would be caused to the publication of Irish books by the withdrawal of a firm (details supplied) from that activity, he will have increased financial support given to them as a matter of urgency in implementation of the recommendations of An Páipéar Bán.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Publication of Books in Irish.
35.
The firm referred to in the Deputy's question has over the years received exceptional treatment in the matter of financial support from State funds. Continuation of this exceptional treatment had to cease some years ago when an additional grant made available in the firm's interest could not be utilised owing to the firm's failure to carry out its undertakings to publish textbooks for which it had already received advance payments from my Department. The firm's position has since then been considered with the greatest sympathy on many occasions, but it is regrettable that increased financial support from State funds is not feasible in the circumstances of their case.
Would the Minister agree that this firm produce an exceptionally large proportion of modern Irish literature and that any assistance they receive is related only to the exceptional proportion they produce? Having regard to the recommendation in An Páipéar Bán that assistance be given to the publication of modern Irish literature, would the Minister not consider this established firm a convenient vehicle for the production of books? Would he not also agree that sales by Sairséal agus Dill have been much better than those of An Gúm or any direct Government publishing and printing house?
I agree with the Deputy that the firm in question have produced a large proportion of modern Irish literature and, in some cases, have produced excellent work. I do not dispute that at all, but the circumstances are, as I stated in my reply, that they have got exceptional treatment. I have personally reviewed the matter and given it the most favourable consideration I could but I find, having regard to all the circumstances which have arisen and to the history of the dealings, I am unable to make a case for additional assistance to this firm.
Is it correct to take from the Minister's reply that this firm got payments in advance for publications which they did not, in fact, publish?
Yes.
Were the payments made in advance refunded?
The financial details are somewhat complicated. I should need to consider whether I would be in order in giving them and I should want notice before I could supply the exact details.
Could the Minister say if provision is being made otherwise for the publication of these texts which are required for schools?
Yes. I should qualify that by saying that provision is being made for improvements in the whole publishing set-up. As the Deputy will be aware, there are recommendations on this in the Report of the Commission on the Irish Language and these recommendations were, in the main, adopted in the White Paper and the statement of the position in the White Paper is being implemented.
Mr. O'Leary
Would the Minister consider that a further meeting of the directors would help to solve any difficulties that may have arisen?
I am afraid it would not. I have, in fact, met the directors and have given their position the most favourable consideration I could. I do not think I could arrive at any different conclusion.
36.
asked the Minister for Education what grants are available to compensate publishers and printers for increased printing costs caused by changes in the official standard of Irish spelling; and what amount has been paid to date in respect thereof.
In the grants and loans made available for publishing in the Irish language, no specific allocation has been made for the purpose referred to in the Deputy's question.