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Education Schemes.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Questions (188, 189)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

368 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applicants for assistance under the aid for school books grant scheme in each of the years between 2000 and 2003; the number of applications received to date in 2004; the annual budget allocated by his Department to the scheme annually for each year between 2000 and 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21519/04]

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Written answers

At primary level the aid for school books grant is paid in June each year in respect of the following school year. Following are details of the number of applicants for assistance and expenditure at primary level in the years 2001 to 2004:

Year

No. pupils

Expenditure

2001

151,363

3,571,525.78

2002

143,951

3,762,509.00

2003

144,030

3,947,674.20

2004

139,387

3,823,587.40 (to date)

Figures at primary level for the year 2000 are not readily available to my Department. These will shortly be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

At post-primary level following are details of the number of applicants for assistance and expenditure provisions for the years 2000 to2004:

Year

No. pupils

Provision

2000

146,000

5,769,000

2001

141,760

5,828,098

2002

137,500

6,175,000

2003

137,630

6,359,000

2004

135,860

6,359,000

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

369 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and secondary schools in County Kerry which operate a book rental scheme; the steps he is taking to encourage schools to operate book rental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21520/04]

View answer

In 2002, my Department surveyed post-primary schools to determine the number operating book loan-rental schemes. There was a good response from County Kerry schools and of those who responded 53% had book loan-rental schemes in place. At primary level 79 schools operate book rental schemes.

I am aware that costs associated with the purchase of schoolbooks place a financial burden on parents and am concerned to minimise these costs to the greatest extent possible.

A consultancy report, which was submitted to my Department in May 1993, dealt with the factors which contribute to the cost of school textbooks. The main conclusion of the report was that book rental schemes are the most practical way of limiting the cost of schoolbooks to parents.

The report, copies of which were sent to all schools, contains a number of useful suggestions, including a code of good practice for the successful operation of book rental schemes.

My Department endorses the recommendations and urges school authorities at both primary and post-primary level to put in place book rental schemes to the greatest extent possible. The school book grant may be used by school authorities for the establishment of book loan-rental schemes. At primary level an enhanced rate of grant is paid to schools operating book rental schemes.

At post-primary level, my Department also provides seed capital towards the costs of establishing book rental schemes in schools designated as disadvantaged and schools which participate in schemes designed to combat educationaldisadvantage, for example, school meal programmes.

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