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Programme for Government

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Questions (95)

John Lahart

Question:

95. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education the progress made under the programme for Government commitment to provide clear guidelines to schools on cost-effective and sustainable practices to decrease the costs for families in relation to schoolbooks, uniforms, IT and sport equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25059/21]

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Written answers

I am firmly of the view that schools should do everything possible to keep costs down for parents. In 2017, my Department issued a circular letter to schools on school uniform costs and other school costs. The circular requires schools to adopt a range of measures to reduce the cost of school uniforms. These include ensuring that all elements of a school uniform are purchasable from a number of stores. The circular also requires schools to consult with parents on the school uniform policy and cost reduction initiatives.

Regarding school books, the most recent figures available indicate that 96% of primary schools and 68% of post-primary schools operate a book rental scheme. €17.1m was provided last year to provide assistance for books including Book Rental Schemes in primary and post-primary schools.

As part of the €210m investment programme underpinning the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools, my Department provided €100m in grant funding to schools to address their ICT needs during 2020. Schools were advised that they can use this funding to support the continuity of teaching and learning should a period of partial or full school closure occur arising from Public Health advice owing to Covid-19 restrictions. This can include the purchase of ICT devices including laptops, tablet devices and hybrid computing devices, essential learning platforms and other ICT infrastructure to support the provision of remote learning.

I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that budget 2020 has been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary schools that applied from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019.

The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration will be achieved.

All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.

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