Marian Harkin
Question:261. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if she will reinstate the funding to primary schools to stock their libraries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47327/21]
View answerThursday, 30 September 2021
Questions (261, 262)
Brendan Griffin
Question:262. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will restore the school library fund; if her attention has been drawn to the disadvantage caused by the scrapping of the scheme in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47347/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 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, I am very conscious of the importance of library services and the value of these in the context of the supports available to schools.
Question No. 262 answered with Question No. 261.