Vol. 421 No. 6
55 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Education if, in view of recent findings that average book costs for a junior certificate student amounts to £80, he will outline the steps he has taken to minimise the need for frequent book changes; and whether his Department have considered publishing some texts in order to reduce costs to parents and students.
I share the Deputy's concern at the financial burden which school text books place on parents of schoolgoing children and in fact, one of the first steps which I took on my appointment was to request my Department to specifically examine this whole area and the ways in which that burden can be alleviated. I am actively considering the engagement of a consultant towards this end.
In an effort to alleviate this burden, my Department already have in operation a scheme of aid towards the cost of school books for needy pupils. This now amounts to £4 million annually.
In conjunction with this scheme my Department have advised management authorities to implement a school policy, including schemes for the loan of books, in co-operation with parents, which would ensure the efficient use of school books and minimise the cost for parents.
My Department have, on a number of occasions, advised school authorities that selected textbooks should be changed only to the extent that is absolutely necessary. The syllabus planners, therefore, try to avoid over-frequent changes and are conscious that they should avoid any unnecessary increase in costs. However, textbooks must be changed on occasion if teachers are to keep their work educationally stimulating and if content and methodology are to be kept reasonably up to date.
I am not sure that the publication of school textbooks by the State would be generally acceptable in principle or that it would reduce costs significantly.
