asked the Minister for Education to outline the practical effect on publishers books which fail to conform to Guidelines for Publishers on Sexism and Sex-Stereotyping in Primary School Textbooks drawn up in May 1984; if it is possible that these books could be used in schools; if she will provide a copy of the minutes or other record of the meeting held in her Department on 9 March 1985 between herself and the Irish Educational Publishers Association, and if she will provide a copy of her Department's procedures for the approval of textbooks for inclusion under rule 66 of the Rules for National Schools.
Written Answers. - Approval of Textbooks for National Schools.
866.
There are no formal or written procedures in regard to the approval of textbooks for use in national schools. In the past publishers submitted printed books to the Department for approval. In recent years, however, in order to facilitate publishers, the Department accept submissions in manuscript form, so that approval can be given prior to printing and publication. In this context my Department's inspectors have an opportunity at draft stage to discuss the application of the guidelines on sexism and sex-stereotyping to individual texts. I am satisfied from the positive response which I received from the publishers that they too are committed to eliminate sexism, sex-stereotyping. I consider it unlikely that it will be necessary for me to refuse approval to specific textbooks on these grounds. It would not be in accordance with normal practice and procedure for me to place on the Record of this House the report on my meeting with the publishers which was held on 9 March 1984.