Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
571 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the reintroduction of the school book grant scheme in view of the hardship to families resulting from changed economic situations; the number of students receiving assistance in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43107/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information required by the Deputy is outlined in the table. The Deputy will be aware, however, that in 2009, aid for school books was restricted to schools that have been included within the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) scheme. DEIS is the action plan for educational inclusion and focuses on addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities.
This payment was made in the form of enhanced capitation to DEIS schools. In 2009, over €3.81 million was paid to 673 DEIS primary schools. The enrolment in those schools on 30 September 2008 was just over 102,000 students.
At post-primary level, over €3.19 million was paid to 203 DEIS schools, with a combined enrolment on 30 September 2008 of just over 61,000 students.
The Renewed Programme for Government provides for funding to be made available to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books. The precise level of additional grant support will be considered in the context of the estimates and budgetary process for 2010. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.
|
Year |
Number of students at primary level |
Number of students at post-primary level |
Total Number of students |
|
2009 (DEIS only) |
102,357 |
61,166 |
163,523 |
|
2008 |
156,145 |
129,020 |
285,165 |
|
2007 |
142,157 |
128,056 |
270,213 |
