Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the first instance, an allocation of €20 million was made available to schools in the previous budget to ensure there was an opportunity for them to augment the availability of books or other resources in terms of promoting engagement with reading, appreciation of the written word and experience of the diversity of the written word, whether poetry, drama or otherwise. I believe it was €20 million very well spent to promote this culture of reading within school communities and, more importantly, what they will take home to their own communities.

With regard to new developments, I referenced that we have 40 new builds under way at present, notwithstanding what was done previously and what we will do going forward. All of our new builds have provision for brand-new library facilities. I am very clear in my own mind about the importance of cultivating reading within a school and supporting schools. For example, many schools choose to have the travelling book trolley.