asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is a shortage of some text books for secondary schools; and if he will arrange to have sufficient text books printed each year to meet the students' requirements.
Written Answers. - Shortage of Textbooks.
386.
Representations have not been made to my Department that there is a general shortage of text books, although it may happen that there may be a temporary shortage in the case of individual text books due to publishing delays.
School text books are provided through the activities of the various private commercial publishing companies. In the case of prescribed text material close liaison exists between my Department and the publishers so as to ensure an adequate and timely supply of text books. With regard to non-prescribed material teachers are free to choose from a wide range of publications. This freedom of choice is essential both for teacher and pupil. Therefore, any general control or direction regarding the production of text books would be undesirable.
The Dáil adjourned at 5 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 5th November, 1974.