asked the Minister for Education if the Irish text book Sraith na mBláthanna, Ranganna V and VI le Liam Ó Donnabháin is appropriate for VI standard primary school pupils in the current school year following the use of An Tóirse le Mairéad Ní Ghráda, Cursa leanúna sa Ghaeilge in IV and V Standards last year.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Irish Text Book.
29.
The Irish textbook Sraith na mBláthanna, Leabhar V-VI has been approved by my Department for use in standards V and VI in primary schools. There seems to be some misapprehension in relation to the use of the other text An Tóirse mentioned by the Deputy as it has been sanctioned only for sixth and higher standards in primary schools.
Does the Minister not realise that, generally speaking, there is a great lack of continuity in regard to the provision of text books? A child in sixth class this year will have one text book but his brother or sister coming up next year will be required to get another book. There is this rapid change in regard to these text books and there is also the question of the high cost.
This complaint has certainly been made but the Deputy will realise that what happens is that certain textbooks which meet the requirements of the Department are approved but are not prescribed by the Department. It is the teacher who usually makes the choice from the approved list. In most cases it is possible to avoid changes but there are occasions when perhaps in the opinion of the teacher the advantage of a book outweighs the disadvantages of having to change, with the consequent serious cost. I think the steps being taken at present will help to reduce the difficulties involved for parents in the matter mentioned by the Deputy.