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.