Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason school books required by students in all-Irish second level schools are not available on an up to date course basis; when it is proposed to rectify this position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5126/07]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason science books for second level all-Irish schools are two courses out of date; the reason this situation has been allowed to develop; when she proposes to rectify same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5127/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.

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 2006, my Department allocated €831,000 to An Chomhairle of which €400,000 was specifically designated to the provision of textbooks and other resources to support teaching and learning.

A newly developed resource to cover all aspects of the revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus has recently been 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 it 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 currently developing resources for Leaving Certificate biology, physics and chemistry. I have met with An Chomhairle to discuss how the provision of high quality education through the medium of Irish can be further supported.