Finian McGrath
Question:263 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will support the proposals on a book rental scheme (details supplied) in all second level schools. [32283/10]
View answerWednesday, 29 September 2010
Questions (192)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that I have consistently encouraged schools to put in place book rental schemes as the most effective means of lowering costs for all parents.
In accordance with the Renewed Programme for Government, my Department issued funding to schools in June to enable them to provide assistance for school books.
Details of the funding were notified to schools by circulars 0041/2010 (second level) and 0043/2010 (first level), which are available on my Department's website. In these circulars, schools were urged to use this funding to establish book rental schemes.
In total, €14.6 Million issued to schools. Funding was allocated as follows:
€11 per pupil in primary schools;
€21 per pupil in primary schools within the Delivering Equality in Schools (DEIS) scheme;
€24 per pupil in post-primary; or
€39 per pupil in post-primary schools within the DEIS scheme.
In the majority of cases, my Department does not have a role in recommending, endorsing or approving textbooks. Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at second level, mainly in the case of language subjects, decisions on which textbooks to use are taken at school level.
Syllabus planners are conscious of the need to avoid over-frequent changes, primarily in order to minimise increases in the cost burden for parents. School authorities have been advised that books should be changed only to the extent that is absolutely necessary.