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Library Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (704)

Michael Lowry

Question:

704. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education her views on whether access to books and reading is important for young children particularly those who might not have other means to access a wide variety of books; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that in 2009 the Government ceased giving Irish primary schools grants for buying library books; if grants to purchase library books for use by students will be reintroduced to primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30517/21]

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Written answers

My Department has to prioritise provision of funding directly to schools and funding of library services is a matter for my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys.

My Department has responsibility for education and training and is charged with facilitating individuals through learning, to achieve their full potential and contribute to Ireland's social, cultural and economic development.

The Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, launched in 2011, set out a vision for raising standards in our early years, primary and post-primary school settings. The interim review in 2017 highlighted the considerable progress which had been made since the launch of the Strategy in 2011 notably in promoting a high level of literacy for all. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 results showed that the reading skills of our primary school children, both in the paper based and online assessment, are amongst the best in all European and OECD countries.

The commitments carried out over the lifetime of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy (2011-2020) has prioritised the enhancement of learners’ literacy and numeracy skills. Commitments under the Strategy include reforms in initial teacher education, dedicated support for school leaders’, teachers’ professional learning and curriculum reform. Priorities are linked to actions for related policy developments in my Department including the DEIS Plan 2017.

Under the Programme for Government my Department is tasked with the development of a successor Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy for all learners in early years, primary and post-primary schools. Development of the strategy will be done in consultation with all education stakeholders and other Government departments and bodies.

As Minister for Education I am very conscious of the importance of library services and the value of these in the context of the supports available to schools. Responsibility for the support and provision of library services rests with my colleague, Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development

Local libraries currently provide a wide range of resources and activities which support Primary and Post-primary schools in developing children’s literacy, numeracy, creativity and communication skills. By building on existing partnerships between schools and libraries, all schools can benefit directly from this ongoing cooperation.

Each library service operates a network of central libraries, branch libraries and smaller part-time branches. Some library services also provide support for schools through mobile libraries or a school library van. Schools can access all of the services for primary schools through the larger branches or a central library. Schools can also access some services through smaller part-time branches.

In addition to book borrowing, class visits and provision of access to reading and curriculum support, libraries provide learners at primary and post-primary with a reading space in the library branch as well as access to electronic and online resources. Reference resources and research assistance are also available to students and teachers. In addition, libraries also provide students with access to study spaces where practicable.

Libraries also provide ongoing library programmes and initiatives throughout the year and during school holiday periods, including an annual summer activities’ programme, to support the continuing development of children’s literacy and numeracy skills.

Budget 2021 continues the programme of major reinvestment in our primary and post-primary education system. Building on the initiatives set out in the Programme for Government the budget for the Department of Education is €8.9 billion in 2021, an increase of €410 million or some 5% on 2020.

The Budget includes an additional allocation of €226 million which is being provided to schools to meet costs relating to Covid-19. This allocation represents the balance of the €437 million package approved by Government last July as part of the Roadmap for the Reopening Schools.

Currently, my Department provides a book grant to all recognised primary and post primary schools within the Free Education Scheme in order to provide assistance for the purchase of books. Under this scheme, the Department provided funding of €17.1 million in 2020 to schools.

School book rental schemes have an important role to play in reducing the cost of school books for parents and in order to support the establishment of book rental schemes my Department provided €15.7 million seed capital in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to primary schools. Circa. 96% of primary schools and 68% of post-primary schools operate a book rental scheme.

Additional funding of €1 million provided under Budget 2020 was allocated to 102 Primary DEIS schools for a new pilot programme for the 2020/21 school year. The aim of this pilot is to provide free school books for students in the schools involved, and to support these schools in eliminating the cost of school books for parents. It will run for the period of one year and its effectiveness and impact will be monitored and evaluated before any decision is made as regards its possible extension or continuation.

I am committed to investing in education but I have to invest at a level that is consistent with what we can afford and what is sustainable at the moment given economic circumstances. Regretfully therefore I am not in a position to reinstate the library grant.

Question No. 705 answered with Question No. 702.
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