asked the Minister for Education if he will provide additional funds for the school library service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
725.
Written Answers. - School Library Service.
724.
asked the Minister for Education the contribution his Department have made to the school library service in each of the past five years; and the contribution per school child this contribution represents.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 724 and 725 together.
The school libraries scheme grant for the 1982-83 school year will be decided in the context of the 1983 Estimates for Public Services. In each of the past five years the Department of Education have paid the following amounts under this scheme: 1977-78, £134,096.50; 1978-79, £135,443.75; 1979-80, £136,328.25; 1980-81, £136,924.75; 1981-82, £136,586.00.
In each of these years, the grant was paid at the rate of £0.25 per pupil enrolled in national schools.