Vol. 497 No. 6
47 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will have arrangements made for a study of the costs to parents of maintaining a pupil at primary, secondary and third levels in order that Government decisions regarding school and student support can be properly informed by current information. [25857/98]
I have no plans for the type of study referred to by the Deputy. There is already a good deal of information available about the costs incurred by parents in relation to the education of their children. In the light of this information a range of measures are in place.
At primary level my Department operates a scheme of grants for schoolbooks for needy pupils. This scheme is administered through the principal teacher who has discretion in the selection of pupils to be assisted, and ensures that available funds are distributed to those most in need of assistance. Additional grants are made available to encourage schools to operate a book rental scheme. The amount of funds allocated to the scheme in the current year is £2.534 million.
In addition, the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs operates a back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme. Under this scheme, a grant of £43 is payable in respect of each eligible child up to 11 years of age, while a grant of £58 is payable in respect of each eligible child in the 11 to 22 years age bracket.
At second level, a range of supports are in place including per capita grants for schools which are about to be further increased in 1999, including enhanced per capita grants for schools classified as disadvantaged, and the book scheme for necessitous pupils.
