Mary Moran (Labour)

I concur with Senator Mac Conghail who stated that a more holistic approach should be taken to education. As a teacher, I agree that this is the direction in which education must go. I welcome the news that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, is due to meet book publishers in respect of schoolbooks. That is an extremely important matter, particularly at this time of the year when the State examinations are due to conclude. The amount of paper that is wasted and the number of books which cannot be passed on is scandalous. My son is completing his leaving certificate today and my daughter sat her leaving certificate last year. My other daughter is due to sit the same examination next year. Each of them took eight subjects for the leaving certificate cycle but only two textbooks were common among the three. Last night we packed a suitcase full of books that are no good to anyone because the publishers have brought out new editions. A few weeks ago, Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the amount of paper that is being wasted through the use of envelopes. I am of the view that it is extremely important that attention be drawn to the waste of paper to which schoolbooks give rise.

I welcome the news regarding the school that agreed to be part of the pilot scheme to introduce iPads into education. This is a fantastic idea not only because it will lead to a greater level of holistic learning, but also as a result of the fact that it will mean children will no longer be obliged to carry heavy schoolbags. Any Senators who are parents are only too well aware of the dangers posed by such schoolbags.

I request that the Leader ask the Minister to comment on the proposal that the schoolbook loan scheme be made compulsory in every school. Many schools are involved in the scheme but quite a number are not. Given that we are in a recession, we must consider ways to reduce costs for both parents and teachers. We must do so before schools issue their book lists.