Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Support Schemes.

Austin Currie

Question:

56 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education whether the aid towards the cost of the School Books Scheme is being combined with the back to school clothing and footwear scheme; if so, whether this means that the books aid will not be paid to family income supplement recipients or where some other member of the family is in receipt of social security and applications may not be made until after 6 July when schools will not be able to assist in the matter, with the result that many children will be returning to schools in September without books, when schools will be informed of the arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

My Department is providing £4,044,000 in 1992 for assistance towards the cost of school books for needy pupils in primary and post primary schools. The relevant scheme is being revised at present in consultation with the partners in education with a view to having a revised scheme in place for the 1993-94 school year. The aim is to ensure that the funds concerned are directed towards those pupils most in need of assistance and that the funds are distributed equitably between schools and within schools. Pending discussions with the partners I do not propose to comment further on the matter.

In the meantime, schools have been informed of the details of the scheme which will operate for the 1992-93 school year. This scheme is substantially the same as the scheme which operated in previous years.