Vol. 413 No. 9
58 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education if in the preparation of the 1992 Estimates he has reviewed the inadequacy of the free book scheme for primary school children; and if he will outline the plans he has to improve this scheme.
92 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the plans he has to cut the escalating cost of school text books; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
261 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if he has yet had his promised meeting with the book publishers to discuss ways of reducing school book costs; if so, the outcome of the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 92 and 261 together.
The publication and sale of school books are in the hands of private companies and it is not open to me to influence their pricing policy. However, I am very conscious of the financial demands made on parents of school pupils in providing school textbooks for their children.
In an effort to alleviate this burden my Department already have in operation a scheme of aid towards the cost of school books for needy pupils. This now amounts to £4 million annually.
In conjunction with this scheme my Department have advised management authorities to implement a school policy, in co-operation with parents, which would ensure the efficient use of school books and minimise the cost for parents.
My Department have, on a number of occasions, advised school authorities that selected textbooks should be changed only to the extent that is absolutely necessary.
The syllabus planners therefore, try to avoid over-frequent changes and are conscious that they should avoid any unnecessary increase in costs. However, textbooks must be changed on occasion if teachers are to keep their work educationally stimulating and if content and methodology are to be kept reasonably up to date.
In relation to the Deputy's question concerning a meeting with book publishers to discuss the cost of school textbooks, I wish to state that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment are in contact with the publishers on an on-going basis and this is one of the matters which is receiving consideration.
