Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
437. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will address the reported shortage of books in school libraries; the actions her Department is taking to ensure adequate supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46039/21]
View answer439. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education if she will take steps to ensure that funding is allocated to schools to ensure they can properly stock and update their school libraries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46051/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 439 together.
An arrangement was made through An Chomhairle Leabharlanna in 1971, whereby the local authority librarians would provide services for schools. At that time my Department made a grant available for this purpose based on the number of pupils enrolled in primary schools in the local authority areas.
The amount of the grant payable to each local authority was based on the number of primary pupils in the relevant area and amounted to €4.52 per pupil. The full year estimated cost of reinstating the library grant is circa €2.5m
As Minister for Education and Skills I am very conscious of the importance of library services and the value of these in the context of the supports available to schools.
