Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said, this is probably one of the most welcome achievements of the Minister in the few years she has been in office and she is to be commended on the initiative. Most schools and parents are very grateful for the Government providing for that educational need for schoolbooks.

Inevitably, once the scheme has been delivered for primary schools, we will face a call in respect of second level. I will not try to prejudge any budgetary consideration but it is inevitable we will face those calls. What are the Minister's plans for the future in regard to second level? It is estimated to cost in the region of €70 million or €80 million to make such a provision. Second, what is the Minister's opinion on extending the scheme into the future?

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