asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that school books in primary and national schools are frequently withdrawn; and, if so, whether for the purpose of economy he will consider taking steps to provide that such books when approved will continue to be used over a period of at least five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Books.
asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that school books published in Ireland are dearer than school books of better quality published in Britain and Northern Ireland; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of having these books printed at a competitive price by independent contractors.
asked the Minister for Education whether he will consider the advisability of supplying school books free of charge in primary and national schools in accordance with the procedure adopted in Great Britain.
I propose to take these three questions together.
When particular school books have been officially approved for use in national schools sanction for their use is not withdrawn for a considerable number of years, seldom less than ten years and maybe 20. The official direction given to the schools is that where there is a separate class in the charge of one teacher the readers and text books, when selected, are not to be changed, unless in exceptional circumstances, for a period of years. A slightly modified arrangement is made where there is a division consisting of two classes combined. Under this arrangement it is possible for books, kept clean and in good order, to be transmitted to brothers and sisters of pupils who have used them, or to be acquired by other children who need them. The same text books in arithmetic and geography may be used in the same standard from year to year in any type of school.
The choice of text books is left to the discretion of managers and teachers, provided that they make their selection from the official list of sanctioned books.
I am aware that school books are very dear, and I have been, and still am, inquiring how this matter may be remedied, but I am not aware that school books published in Ireland are dearer than text books of similar standard and content published in neighbouring countries. I am informed that, generally speaking, they compare favourably with the latter in respect of both price and quality. The books used in our schools are printed and published by independent commercial firms, and as such, are provided on a competitive basis. I see no good reason for departing from that arrangement.
A scheme for the provision of free books for necessitous children in national schools is in operation and an annual grant for the purpose based on the number of children enrolled in the second and higher standards is paid to the manager of each particular school who applies the money to the best advantage in meeting the needs of these children.
The scheme for the provision of free books in Great Britain is operated by the local education authorities out of moneys provided from the rates.
It is not proposed, nor would it be feasible, to extend the scope of the scheme in operation on the lines suggested.
Is the Minister aware that it is often very difficult for teachers to decide on the most necessitous cases and, in view of the fact that only a limited number of books are available in respect of necessitous cases, would the Minister adopt a more satisfactory scheme?
If there are any suggestions to be made with regard to the improvement of the scheme, I shall be glad if these suggestions are sent on to me.