Grant Payments.

Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Questions (320, 321)

Brian Hayes

Question:

333 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the book grant has been reintroduced following the recent announcement by him in view of budget 2010. [47216/09]

View answer

350 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when and the way schools will be able to apply for the school books grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47294/09]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 350 together.

The Deputies will be aware that the Renewed Programme for Government provides for funding to be made available to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books. I am pleased to inform the Deputies that €7.65m of additional grant support has been made available as a result of the Budget for 2010, which is in addition to the €7m that was allocated for books to DEIS schools in 2009. My officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how these funds will be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.