Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2017
139. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if charging for primary school books (details supplied) is in keeping with article 42.4 of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool book rental schemes have an important role to play in reducing the cost of school books for parents. Circa. 95% of primary schools and 65% of post-primary schools operate a book rental scheme.
My Department supports the operation of book rental schemes through the funding provided under its school books grant scheme. Under this scheme, my Department provides funding of €16 million annually to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. In addition €15.7 million seed capital was provided over three years to support the establishment of book rental schemes in primary schools.
One of the actions as part of the Action Plan for Education is to strengthen the focus on reducing school costs for parents by increasing the financial support for book rental schemes, in order to reduce/eliminate school book costs for parents as resources permit.
Providing additional funding for book rental schemes will be addressed during the lifetime of the Action Plan for Education.
It is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school to decide on its own policy in relation to the use of textbooks in the school. Individual schools should adopt a cost-conscious approach to the selection of books in their classes. My Department has published a circular to school authorities and ETBs regarding measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the costs which include the provision of a book rental scheme. The circular can be accessed on my Department’s website at https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0032_2017.pdf
