Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 601: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) for each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the details of the way the board is constituted. [28197/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The funding provided by my Department to the National Parents' Council Primary in 2008 was €355,000 for core funding for the running of the council and €73,115 for training courses and information seminars. In 2009, €355,000 was also provided for core funding with €25,000 for training courses and information seminars. The indicative funding allocation for 2010 is €355,000 for core funding and €106,488 for training courses and information seminars. The National Parents' Council Primary is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.

The Board of the National Parents' Council Primary is constituted in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board of Directors is nominated from the membership of the Councils Assembly and is elected by the members of the Council at a general meeting. The current Board of 12 Directors was elected in 2008.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 602: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding allocated to the school books scheme per school year in a tabular format for the years 2006 to 2010 inclusive; when this scheme became restricted only to DEIS schools; the current eligibility for this scheme in view of the changes announced in Budget 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28214/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the renewed programme for Government and a commitment made in budget 2010, my Department has this month issued funding to schools to enable them to provide assistance for school books. Details of the funding were notified to schools by circulars 0041/2010 (second level) and 0043/2010 (first level).

I have allocated this funding on a per capita basis as follows: Primary DEIS €21, Primary non-DEIS €11, Post-primary DEIS €39,Post-primary non-DEIS €24. The previous system required schools to apply each year to my Department, which resulted in a significant administrative burden, both for schools and my Department.

The new funding mechanism is part of a process of moving to a more streamlined system where, instead of several specific grants, schools, which are best placed to know the needs of their pupils, receive one per capita grant that they can assign according to the priorities of the school. I have urged schools to put in place book rental schemes as the most effective way to reduce costs for all parents.

Funding for book grants was withdrawn in 2009, except in the case of DEIS schools. Funding has been re-instated in 2010 for all schools.

The specific funding allocations requested by the Deputy are as follows: Year Amount 2006 €12,995,966 2007 €14,257,084 2008 €14,421,563 2009 €7,000,000 2010 €14,671,063