asked the Minister for Education, having regard to the escalating cost of school books, if she will give assistance to schools to introduce a book loan scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Introduction of Book Loan Scheme.
262.
My Department already operate a scheme of aid towards the cost of schoolbooks for necessitous pupils. Despite the limited resources available at present, I am pleased to have been able to provide for a substantial increase in the funding for the scheme in 1989. A further increase will be provided in 1990.
The scheme is extremely flexible and one of the options already open to principal teachers is to operate a book loan system, if they feel that to be the most suitable arrangement. I am satisfied that the present arrangement which allows discretion to principal teachers in the operation of the scheme should be allowed to continue.