Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The energy and education scheme was piloted in 2009 and was rolled out by the SEAI in 2012 and it gives schools the potential to make savings.

However, the fact that it has reached less than 10% of schools is an issue. Clearly, the Minister's press release did not cut it with regard to publicising the scheme. Is the Department considering issuing a circular or engaging with schools on a proactive basis rather than just stating that there is a scheme in existence and that schools have not, for whatever reason, engaged with it? Schools themselves may not even know of the existence of this scheme.

Mr. Ryan indicated that there is no information available in respect of the voluntary code of practice and that, therefore, it is not possible to gauge the success of the school book rental scheme. I do not know if the INTO has any information in respect of this matter and I accept that it may be unfair to put its representatives on the spot in terms of asking them to answer that question. A commitment was given to the effect that schools which bought school books in bulk would receive discounts. However, we do not know if this is happening in practice. How can we measure the success or otherwise of the scheme? How will we know whether we should move from a voluntary to a mandatory code of practice? We do not have basic information in this regard. Will our guests indicate what is going to be done to rectify that?

It was stated that it is not within the power of the Minister for Education and Skills to make the school book rental scheme compulsory. That is a matter of opinion. I am of the view that he does possess that power under section 7 of the Education Act 1998, which clearly outlines the role of the Minister and bestows extensive powers upon him or her. The section does not specifically state that he has the power to introduce a school book rental scheme but it does say that he has the power to implement policy decisions and ensure good quality educational outcomes. If one of those outcomes were to be the introduction of a mandatory school book rental scheme, it could be done by means of the introduction of a statutory instrument as opposed to primary legislation. As already stated, it is a matter of opinion. The Minister possesses the relevant power and perhaps the officials from the Department could investigate the matter further.