Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 6

Written Answers. - Book Grant Applications.

Enda Kenny

Question:

152 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the reason it is necessary for applicants for a book grant for 1994 to supply a certificate of assistance for uniform and footwear from the Department of Social Welfare to school principals.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An analysis of the operation of the existing school book scheme showed that:

(a) there were wide variations in the levels of support claimed by apparently similar schools and in the levels of support received by pupils;

(b) inadequate criteria formed an unreliable basis for identifying needy pupils.

My Department was concerned at the lack of uniformity in the interpretation by schools as to what constituted a needy child and consequently proposed revised arrangements which involved using the established criteria of the Department of Social Welfare Clothing and Footwear Scheme for identifying the most needy children.

These arrangements, which would help to ensure that available funds are directed towards those pupils who are most in need of assistance and that funds are distributed equitably between schools and within schools, are the subject of ongoing discussions with the interested parties.