Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2017
152. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of primary schools and post-primary schools that operate a school books grant scheme; his plans to make the operation of this scheme compulsory in all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20931/17]
View answerThe most recent figures available indicate that 94% of primary schools and 65% of post-primary schools operate a book rental scheme.
My Department provides funding of €16 million annually to schools to support the operation of school book rental schemes for students in all recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools within the Free Education Scheme.
Operation of a book rental scheme will become a mandatory requirement for schools participating in the School Support Programme by September 2017 as outlined in the recent DEIS review carried out by my Department.
Furthermore, my Department has recently published a circular to school authorities and ETBs regarding measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the costs which include the provision of a book rental scheme. The circular can be accessed on my Department's website at http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0032_2017.pdf.
