Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 2

Written Answers. - Free Book Scheme.

Paul McGrath

Question:

140 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the free book scheme for second level pupils operates; if it is operated on the same basis in each category of second level school; the monetary value of the scheme for each necessitous pupil; and the criteria by which pupils qualify for this scheme. [3496/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The scheme of aid towards the cost of school books for necessitous pupils at second level operates in secondary schools in the free education scheme, and in vocational, community and comprehensive schools. The terms of the scheme are the same for each category of school.

A necessitous pupil, for the purposes of the scheme, is defined as a pupil from a family in which genuine hardship exists because of unemployment, prolonged illness of a parent, large family size with inadequate means, single parenthood, or other family circumstances, such as alcoholism, which would indicate a similar degree of financial hardship.

Each year, schools and vocational education committees furnish to my Department general details of the number of necessitous pupils assisted in the previous year. Based on these returns the grant is paid by my Department to the individual secondary, community and comprehensive schools and to vocational education committees in respect of vocational schools.

Principal teachers administer the scheme in schools in a flexible way under the terms of the scheme based on their knowledge of particular circumstances in individual cases. The monetary value of the aid given to necessitous pupils varies. Subject to the terms of the scheme, principals have discretion in the selection of pupils to be assisted and the level of assistance in each case. The means by which such assistance is to be provided by schools to necessitous pupils – financial assistance, vouchers or provision of books on loan or otherwise – is a matter for individual school authorities.

At second level, in 2000, a total of £4,552,000 was allocated in aid towards the cost of school books for necessitous pupils.

I appreciate the sensitive, responsive and resourceful manner in which the management and staff of schools, particularly the principals, operate the scheme.