Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
1191 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his views, in view of the hardship caused to families by his decision to discontinue the free books scheme for necessitous pupils in primary schools, on the reintroduction of the scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33416/09]
View answerI have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The changes made in relation to book grants were one aspect of these measures.
The key change is that aid for school books is being restricted to schools that have been included within the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) scheme. By limiting the funding to schools within the DEIS scheme, savings of €7.5m will be achieved.
As the Deputy will be aware, DEIS is the action plan for educational inclusion and focuses on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities. Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools at primary and post-primary level for the school book grant scheme; the same level of provision has been made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009. At primary level, 673 schools will receive enhanced funding, while at second level, 203 schools will benefit.
The continuation of this provision to these schools is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and protect the most vulnerable in our society. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need. This is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General's 2006 report on primary disadvantage.
My Department has encouraged schools to implement book rental schemes as a measure to minimise the cost of school books to all parents. As far back as 1993, a report commissioned by my Department dealt with the factors which contribute to the cost of school text books. The report included useful suggestions for schools, including a code of good practice for successful operation of book rental schemes. I know that many schools have developed such rental schemes.
It is open to schools to utilise general capitation funding to fund book rental schemes.
My Department has issued a circular to schools and vocational education committees, outlining that funding provided to meet day-to-day running costs can be used to provide school books where this is a priority for the school or the VEC. My Department has sought to ensure that schools are fully aware that using any funds provided by my Department for such purposes is not only legitimate but desirable.
Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
