Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the details of new funding to be made available for school books and cultural activities in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9493/10]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the school book grant scheme; the number of schools eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9494/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.

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 €7.65m of additional grant support has been made available as a result of the Budget for 2010, which is in addition to the €7m that was allocated for books to DEIS schools in 2009.

I have consistently said that it is my intention to streamline and rationalise the different grant schemes that provide finding to primary and post-primary schools, both for ease of administration and to ensure that school management has greater autonomy over the funding provided. 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.

I have consistently urged schools to implement book rental schemes, which are the most effective means of lowering costs for parents and ensuring that books are recycled. I will continue to encourage schools to use this funding to establish book rental schemes.