Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress, if any, made following his meeting with book publishers in relation to the need to reduce the costs of school books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19172/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I previously indicated to the House that I would meet with book publishers and representatives of parents to discuss this important issue in greater detail. I can confirm to the Deputy that I met with representatives of the book publishers on the 22nd June.

At that meeting I emphasised the need to minimise the amount of changes they make in textbooks. I also stressed the need to avoid new editions, where only minor changes are involved. I urged the publishers to consider closely the cost of the books they supply to the market.

I sympathise with parents who are experiencing difficulty in paying for school books. The harsh economic reality in Ireland means money is tight for many parents. It is precisely for that reason that I will continue to encourage schools to establish book rental schemes as the most effective means of lowering the cost of books for all students. Many schools are already using the funding for books provided by my Department to operate successful rental schemes, however there remains room for improvement across the wider education system. I am currently examining how best to encourage schools to establish book rental schemes and I have asked the National Parents Councils to provide me with examples of best practice that they have encountered in this area and I will disseminate these to schools.