Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I share the Minister's sense of the value of the measure. It is a shame that it was not extended to post-primary level, where the books are more expensive, but we will have that debate another day.

The question I still have concerns how the arrangement will work. It does not seem there is any clear sense of that. It is two months since the budget. I presume this was discussed within the Department for some time before the budget. The Minister talks about the education partners. Who they are is not a vague concept but a very specific one. Typically, it does not include the publishers or bookshops. Do not get me wrong - I believe they should not have a veto by any manner or means. Our priority needs to be to ensure the delivery of books free to children. The views of the booksellers and publishers can be taken on board but ultimately we need to decide what is in the best interest of children.

With regard to how we are going to roll this out, I presume discussions are necessary with the groups. Therefore, has the Minister met any of the publishers or bookshop owners regarding how books will be got from the printing press into the children's hands? I am not clear on that.

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