Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

First, let me clarify that the Department will continue to provide a book grant as usual for all primary schools. This grant can be utilised for the purpose of updating or expanding a school's existing book rental scheme. I commend all schools that have used the grant to help to build book rental schemes during the years. Their efforts mean that the high cost of school books is being significantly reduced for parents. At my request, the National Parents Council surveyed its members for their views on currently operating book rental schemes. Parents have reported that where book rental schemes operate, they are open to all parents in 95% of cases and that the cost per child is under €40 per year in a considerable majority of schools. Perhaps most tellingly, the survey has found that 93% of parents believe book rental schemes help with the cost of educating a child. Clearly, ensuring book rental schemes are available to all parents must, therefore, be our aim, an aim I am sure the Deputy would share.

I understand it feels unfair to those schools which have invested time and money to establish such schemes that they now cannot benefit from the additional funding secured as part of the budget. Of course, it is unfair, but, equally, maintaining the status quo was deeply unfair to many parents. Those parents who had no access whatsoever to book rental schemes needed more support for a variety of reasons. With the limited funding available, targeting this funding to make sure every parent in Ireland has access to a book rental scheme at some level was the greatest good that could be achieved. The sum available, €15 million over three years, is relatively small, which is why I made my decision. I am aware of the many representations Deputies on both sides of the House have received on this matter, but I was listening to what parents were saying to me about the cost of sending children to school, which is why I responded in this way.

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