Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 590: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty experienced in some schools getting suitable textbooks for the syllabus, including maths and sciences; the way in which she proposes to overcome these difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5694/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Deputy has in mind textbooks in the Irish language for use in Gaeltacht and other all-Irish schools. Significant improvements are being made in regard to the provision of suitable high quality textbooks and teaching materials specifically for use in Gaeltacht and other all-Irish schools through the work of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. In 2005, my Department allocated €725,000 to An Chomhairle, of which €300,000 was specifically designated to the provision of textbooks and other resources to support teaching and learning. For 2006, the allocation is €831,000, of which €400,000 is specifically for the provision of these materials.

Regarding mathematics, Mata Beo, a series of mathematics textbooks based on the revised mathematics curriculum, is available for all primary school classes. At post-primary level, new editions of all books in the Téacsanna agus Trialacha mathematics series are now available, except for one leaving certificate higher level mathematics book which is due to go to print shortly. To support science at primary level, Eureka, the Irish Independent weekly science supplement, is now available in Irish. An Chomhairle, with funding from my Department, plays a key role in making this valuable and attractive resource available to schools. In addition, the text book Eolaíocht Bheo is available for third to sixth classes.

Regarding post-primary science, a newly developed resource to cover all aspects of the revised junior certificate science syllabus was recently made available to students. This was developed by practising teachers who worked in collaboration with An Chomhairle and with funding from my Department. An accompanying teacher resource with a CD is also available. The website www.ingeniousireland.ie covers many aspects of the junior certificate science syllabus and is available in Irish. Again, An Chomhairle was a main player in developing this, with funding from my Department. For the senior cycle sciences, An Gúm is developing resources for leaving certificate biology, physics and chemistry. I have met An Chomhairle to discuss how the provision of high quality education through the medium of Irish can be further supported.