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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

606 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concerns being expressed in respect of the cost of children returning to school after the summer holidays in relation to the increased cost in school books, uniforms and other items; if the matter is receiving attention in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20641/03]

I am very concerned to ensure that the impact of the costs of school books and uniforms for children from low-income families be minimised to the greatest extent possible.

Individual school authorities are responsible for the drawing up of school rules including requirements in relation to the wearing of school uniforms. The formulation of school policy in relation to the wearing of a uniform should allow for prior consultation with teachers, parents and pupils where appropriate. Equally, such policies should also allow for feedback from parents and for any concerns about issues such as cost to be raised.

The back-to-school footwear and clothing allowance, available through the community welfare officers of the health boards, is designed to assist certain recipients of social welfare and health board payments with the cost of children's school uniforms and footwear. My Department is represented on the group which is currently reviewing this allowance as part of the ongoing Civil Service-wide series of expenditure reviews.
I am aware that costs associated with the purchase of school books can also place a financial burden on parents. To alleviate this burden, my Department operates a scheme of aid towards the cost of school books for second level pupils from low-income families.
Principal teachers administer the scheme in schools in a flexible way based on their knowledge of particular circumstances in individual cases. I appreciate the sensitive, responsive and resourceful manner in which the management and staff of schools, particularly the principals, operate the scheme.
A consultancy report, which was published by my Department in 1994, dealt with the factors which contribute to the cost of school textbooks. The main conclusion of the report was that book rental schemes are the most practical way of limiting the cost of school books to parents. The report, copies of which were sent to all schools, contains a number of useful suggestions, including a code of good practice for the successful operation of book rental schemes. My Department endorses the recommendations and urges school authorities to put in place book rental schemes to the greatest extent possible. My Department also provides seed capital towards the costs of establishing book rental schemes in disadvantaged schools.
Question No. 607 answered with Question No. 552.
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