Kathleen Lynch
Question:126 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has for the introduction of a free school books scheme in areas designated as disadvantaged. [5127/95]
Written Answers. - Free School Books Scheme.
Assistance is provided by my Department to all schools towards the provision of the school books for necessitous pupils. Schools designated as disadvantaged are specifically targeted under the schemes concerned.
In 1994, in the case of primary schools designated as disadvantaged, I provided funding over and above the basic grants to encourage such schools to establish book rental and loan schemes. The intention was that the schools could use the funding as seed capital.
This year, I have increased the provision for book grants for needy pupils at primary level by 26 per cent to £2.46 million. The increase will be used to further encourage the establishment and maintenance of rental and loan schemes with a bias in favour of primary schools designated as disadvantaged. Additionally, a sum of £65,000 from the disadvantaged fund will be allocated for this purpose.
At second level in 1994, I provided £391,000 to 86 schools designated as disadvantaged for the purpose of setting up rental schemes, where such schemes did not operate previously.
The provision for the overall scheme for necessitous pupils has been increased by 31 per cent to £4.2 million this year.