Written answers

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Department of Education and Science

Educational Materials

11:00 pm

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her response to a communication (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32017/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South 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 €14.65m for grant assistance for books is being made available in 2010 for schools at primary and second level. Schools are encouraged to put in place book rental schemes, as this is the most effective means of reducing costs for all parents.

Given the range of subjects, programmes, class groups and levels across the education system, and the wide variety of sources from which educational materials can be drawn in the Information Society, it is not feasible for my Department to assume a central tendering function for each textbook. To do so would stifle choice for schools and the opportunity to ensure that they can access the most suitable resources to meet their respective needs.

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