Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I mentioned earlier that there has been a very successful roll-out of the scheme in primary schools. We have taken an incremental approach from the primary schools right up to post-primary. The first step there is the junior cycle. The roll-out will be very similar to what has been done in the primary schools. Currently, we have a review of how things have worked in the primary schools and there will be some similarities in the secondary schools. An administration grant was provided to the schools to facilitate a nominated member of staff to take responsibility for the books. That worked very well. There was engagement with publishers and local bookstores. A lot was learned from the previous book rental scheme. All of this took place in the primary schools. There is also engagement at post-primary level with booksellers, bookshops and publishers. We are bearing in mind the strength of the response in primary schools in this regard.

We are looking at an investment of more than €67 million. It will be rolled out in time for the start of the new school year in September. There is a big difference between primary and post-primary, particularly in light of the diversity of books and skills at post-primary level. Funding will go directly to schools. This will be done in plenty of time for the uptake in September. The target in terms of the timeline is the end of March.

Autonomy is given to schools to make decisions when it comes to the books. If, for example, a school has an existing relationship with a local bookstore and wants to continue that relationship, it is entirely a matter for the board of management and the school. That is an important consideration because it is something that has been raised with me regarding primary schools as well. I want to be clear on that point.