asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the hardship that will be caused to lower income families, where children are studying for the intermediate certificate in 1989, because of the complete change of text books in seven subjects required by the revised curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Text Books.
197.
It is intended to introduce revised syllabuses in seven subjects for implementation in September 1989 and for examination for the junior certificate in 1992.
Suitable learning materials, some in the form of text books, will always be required by pupils if they are to benefit fully from their studies. However, I am conscious of the burden placed on some parents by the cost of purchasing text books. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment have briefed the Irish Educational Publishers Association on the draft syllabuses with a view to minimising the costs involved in the matter of text books. The council have indicated that in some cases new text books will now be required and, in some other cases, a complete change will not be required. The council will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise me accordingly.