asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the factors affecting demand which are taken into consideration by the Government Publications Sale Office when deciding the number of copies of a book which are to be printed in (a) a first edition and (b) a reprint, with particular reference to the publication of works in the Irish language which would be suitable for school or university courses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Publication of Books.
55.
The main factor taken into consideration when deciding the number of copies of a first printing of a book in the Irish language published under my Department's scheme is the probable demand by the public, estimated on the basis of whether the book is of general or limited interest. The number of copies in a reprint is in general governed by the rate of sale of the first printing. When the rate of sale indicates that there is a demand for a book in schools or universities or when it occurs that a book is selected for school or university courses, the likely additional demand is taken into account when deciding the number of copies to be reprinted.
56.
asked the Minister for Education whether, in making arrangements for the reprinting of novels, poetry anthologies, etc., in Irish, the Government Publications Sale Office inform themselves as to whether such books are set as part of (a) school courses and (b) university courses; whether he is aware that considerable inconvenience is caused to university lecturers and school teachers by the fact that standard works in Irish published by that Office are frequently out of print for long periods; and whether he will make a thorough investigation as to the efficiency and business methods of the Office.
In making arrangements for such reprinting special consideration is given to such books as are set by my Department as part of school courses.
My Department is not responsible for the selection of books in Irish forming part of university courses, but where books published under its scheme are selected for these courses and where stocks of the selected books are depleted, every effort is made to ensure that reprints are ready at the earliest possible date.
57.
asked the Minister for Education if he will state the average time which elapses between the date when a work of fiction or poetry, for which there is a reasonably constant demand, published by the Government Publications Sale Office, goes out of print and the date when the work is again freely available to the public.
About twelve months.