Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 71: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter regarding school books (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30720/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have held meetings with educational book publishers, representatives of parents' organisations and the Society of St Vincent de Paul regarding the cost of school textbooks.

The following publishers were represented at the meeting with me on 10 October 2011: CJ Fallon, Forum Publications, Educational Company of Ireland, Gill and McMillan, Mentor Books, Educate.ie, An Gúm and Folens.

All of the publishers present stated that they were committed to the code of practice where publishers undertook not to publish new or revised editions of textbooks for six years, except in the context of significant change to the curriculum or examinations. Publishers also said they were willing to make minor updates available online in the future.

Publishers stated that they would allow discount rates for bulk buying to schools, which would support the introduction of book rental or loan schemes in schools. I understand and accept that independent book sellers also make discounts available to schools that make bulk purchases of textbooks.

I requested publishers not to print workbook style material within textbooks as this rendered loan or rental schemes impracticable. The publishers undertook to bear the my concerns in mind in the development of any new publications.

In relation to Junior Cycle reform, I indicated that reform was in the process of being finalised. I stated that I intended to communicate clearly with publishers on the implementation of the reform and to provide adequate notice of curricular changes. The publishers welcomed my intention to treat them as important stakeholders in discussions of implementation of reform.

I recognise that educational publishers are independent commercial companies who compete in an open market for the sale of their textbooks. I recognise that I cannot interfere in the matter of price setting but have sought assurances from publishers they will facilitate schools that wish to purchase bulk stock for the operation of rental schemes. I am pleased to have received this assurance.

I am very satisfied with the progress made in my two meetings with publishers and I welcome their positive and proactive approach to co-operating with me in reducing the cost of textbooks to students and families. My Department is undertaking a survey of schools to establish the current situation regarding school book rental and loan schemes so that I can consider how I might incentivise the introduction of book loan or rental schemes.

I have invited the National Parents Councils at primary and post-primary levels to provide me with examples of good practice of book rental schemes. My Department is currently preparing guidelines for schools on best practice in the operation of such schemes.