Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 2

Written Answers. - Free Books Scheme.

Dick Spring

Question:

23 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, he has in relation to the linking of the free books scheme with the back to school clothing and footwear scheme for primary schools; and if he has satisfied himself with the arrangements in hand for the current school year.

Richard Bruton

Question:

38 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education whether the proposal in the future to link the free books scheme to the back to school payment will effectively rule out the low paid at work from benefiting under the free school books scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I intend to take Questions Nos. 23 and 38 together.

In the context of a review of the School Books Scheme my Department have drawn up proposals to link the scheme with the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Scheme operated by the Department of Social Welfare. Under the new arrangements it is proposed that the financial allocations to schools under the School Books Scheme will be based on the number of pupils in the school who are beneficiaries under the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Scheme.

To facilitate the operation of the revised scheme arrangements have been made for Community Welfare Officers to issue certificates of eligibility under the Clothing and Footwear Scheme to parents-guardians for children who benefit under that scheme. My Department have asked School Principals to keep a record of the number of pupils for whom certificates of eligibility under the Clothing and Footwear Scheme in 1992 to support their future applications for grants under the School Books Scheme.

I understand from the Department of Social Welfare that certain parents-guardians who are at work benefit under the Clothing and Footwear Scheme depending on their incomes and the number of dependent children.

It is proposed that School Principals will have discretion to give assistance within the resources which have been allocated to them under the School Books Scheme to children whom they consider to be in real need but who have not qualified for support under the Clothing and Footwear Scheme.

The School Books' Scheme is operating in the current school year on the basis of exisiting arrangements.