Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021
124. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to reinstate the primary school library fund; the analysis that her Department has carried out into allocating €10 per primary school child in order for schools to buy books for their libraries; if her attention has been drawn to a campaign (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50208/21]
View answerAn arrangement was made through An Chomhairle Leabharlanna in 1971, whereby the local authority librarians would provide services for Primary 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.
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.
Funding has been provided under Budget 2022 to support schools in the purchase of reading books, audio books, etc.
