Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 914: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount that was spent by her Department in providing a copy of a biography of Eamon de Valera to schools including purchasing and transport costs; if she consulted with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in advance of issuing this book to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1084/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The cost to the Department of Education and Science includes a contribution of €29,000 for 2,000 copies of the publication and also the creation of lesson plans for the Judging Dev publication. The €29,000 represents a discount of over 50% on the retail price of the publication and this also includes the cost of lesson plans on the Judging Dev website. Distribution of 2 copies of the book to all post primary schools cost €6,925.80 bringing the overall contribution to €35,925.80.

The History In Service Support Team (HIST) recommended the distribution of the book to my officials, who in turn consulted the Department Inspectorate. The Department History Inspectors consider the material very useful, relevant, and in line with the requirements of the syllabus and the methodology required. It is considered that Judging Dev will assist students in their study of modern Irish History, especially as the emphases in the new syllabuses are on documentary study and individual research. This initiative is right in the centre of such methodology and study.