School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2013

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Questions (252, 253)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

252. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will revise the guidelines issued by his Department regarding school book rental schemes to include a greater emphasis to encourage teachers and those selecting the textbooks to shop around for better value for money in view of the large differences in prices that exist between similar books from different publishers; if he acknowledges that there are major price differences between the publishers and that this provides scope for taxpayers' money supporting the scheme to go further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49381/13]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

253. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts he has made to date to encourage those selecting textbooks in schools to seek better value for money and to shop around for the most affordable fit-for-purpose books; if his Department has issued any circular to this effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49382/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 253 together.

The Department has issued Circular 0046/2013 to the management authorities of all recognised primary and post primary schools providing free education, in relation to the funding arrangements to schools to provide assistance for textbooks. This Circular also includes reference to the Guidelines for Developing Textbook Rental Schemes in schools and the Department encourages all schools to consider putting in place book rental schemes.

It is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school to decide on its own policy in relation to the use of textbooks in the school. Individual schools need to adopt a more cost-conscious approach to the selection of books in their classes. However, I do not intend to revise the Guidelines issued last January at this time.

I will consider the inclusion in future circulars, as suggested by the Deputy, of further encourage of school management authorities to embrace a more cost-conscious and value for money approach when deciding the textbooks for use in their schools.