Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will regulate the use of recommended basic text books at second level in order that the current costs of providing text books for all subjects in order to reduce the pressure from publishing companies on teachers and pupils and parents on costly changes in text books while there is little change in curriculum content from year to year; if he will financially support a school based book rental scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2380/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at second-level, mainly in the case of language subjects, decisions on which textbooks to use in first and second-level schools are taken at school level, and I have no plans to regulate this area.

Syllabus planners are conscious of the need to avoid over-frequent changes to textbooks, primarily in order to minimise increases in the cost burden for parents. However, textbooks have to be changed periodically to enable teachers to keep their students' work educationally stimulating and to ensure that content and methodology are kept up to date. School authorities have been advised that books should be changed only to the extent that is absolutely necessary.

The Deputy will be aware that the renewed programme for Government provides for funding to be made available to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that €14.65 million for grant assistance for books is being made available in 2010 for schools at primary and second level. This is an increase of €7.65 million over the €7 million which was allocated for books to DEIS schools in 2009. I will be urging all schools to use this additional funding to put in place book rental schemes, as this is the most effective means of reducing costs for all parents.

My officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how these funds will be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.