Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
310. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if all public post-primary schools have an entitlement in relation to the parental support towards the cost of schoolbooks for post-primary schools set out in circular letter 0046/2013 and in relation to the book rental scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29413/23]
View answerMy Department provides a book grant to all recognised post primary schools within the Free Education Scheme in order to provide assistance for books including Book Rental Schemes.
Under this scheme, the Department provided funding of €10.2 million in 2022 to these schools.
Schools participating in my Department’s DEIS Programme receive an enhanced rate of book grant. The rates for the book grant are €24 per pupil in Non-DEIS schools and €39 per pupil in DEIS schools
School book rental schemes have an important role to play in reducing the cost of school books for parents and guardians. However, it is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school to decide on its own policy in relation to the use of book grant funding in the school but they are expected to adopt a cost-conscious approach to the selection of books for use in their classes. The current arrangement relies on the local knowledge of the school in order to ensure a fair allocation of funds to those most in need.
