John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the excessive cost of school books and the burden it is placing on students and families at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43244/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I am very conscious that the cost of textbooks is a considerable burden on families. Since becoming Minister for Education and Skills, I have attempted to take steps to reduce the burden on families. Shortly after coming into office I met with members of the Irish Educational Publishers' Association and impressed on them the need to limit the cost of textbooks. I have also stressed to them the real need to avoid placing schools and families in a position where textbooks are altered unnecessarily.