asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the fact that parents of school-going children are gravely perturbed at the present high cost of school books, and, if so, if he will state whether his Department has any proposals under consideration for the supply of school books to children at reasonable prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of School Books.
The Minister for Education is not responsible for the supply of school books for children and exercises no control over the cost of school books. A scheme has, however, been in operation for some years under which State grants are made towards the cost of supplying school books for necessitous children in national schools.
Will the Minister say whether it is proposed to investigate further the possibility of devising arrangements which would cheapen the cost of school books to school-going children, especially in view of the high charges for these books at present?
I regret I am not able to say whether the matter is under consideration or not. I will call the Minister's attention to the Deputy's supplementary question.