School Facilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023

Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Questions (300)

Paul Murphy

Question:

300. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the Children's Books Ireland's Right to Be a Reader Campaign, urging the government to provide sustained funding for school libraries in Budget 2024; given that only 15% of the Irish population of any age are signed up as public library members, will the Minister support properly funded school primary and secondary school libraries, staffed by a qualified librarian; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42282/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

My aim for Budget 2024 is to continue to deliver on the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government and to continue to support the students, staff, and families in the education sector. As a teacher I know well that a love of reading is one the greatest gifts we can give a child and of the value to our students of reading widely. Considerable progress has been made in promoting a high level of literacy in our schools since the 2011 Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and 2017 Interim Review. We will continue improving our literacy levels with a focus on literacy in our classrooms and encouraging our children and young people to read for pleasure outside of school.

In the lead up to the Budget, my Department receives a number of pre-budget submissions from a number of stakeholders in the education sector and from organisations involved in other areas of public policy. As in previous years, relevant submissions continue to be reviewed and they will inform the specific budgetary priorities that I will be seeking to achieve in Budget 2024.