Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 570: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the annual grant to primary and secondary schools for the purchase of library books; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27618/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no annual grant payable to primary or post-primary schools specifically to purchase library books.

In framing the Estimates 2009, the Government faced very difficult choices. Until the end of 2008, funding was provided by my Department to local authority librarians to enable them to provide library services for pupils enrolled in primary schools in individual local authority areas. However, this funding was withdrawn in 2009 as a result of the more challenging economic environment and the need to prudently manage Exchequer resources. A saving of €2.19m resulted from the cessation of this funding.

The Deputy will be aware that Boards of Management may allocate their combined capitation and ancillary funding according to the priorities of the school. At primary level, this combined funding is €355 per pupil, while at post-primary level it is €557 per pupil.