€8m for schools excluded from book rental grant
He came in for strong criticism from opposition parties and teachers when a €15m fund over three years to help primary schools set up book rental schemes — announced in last October’s budget — was restricted to the minority that did not already have one.
It was stated that many schools had only recently started schemes and needed major fundraising to expand over a number of years, while others had already relied heavily on financial support from parents and local communities to establish theirs.
But after applications for the grants were finalised, with around 400 out of 531 eligible schools having applied, Mr Quinn said there will be €8.3m left over.
The reason for the significant amount left over was the number of schools without a rental scheme was overestimated, as previous school surveys by his department suggested over 800 of the 3,300 primary schools might qualify.
They will receive €100 for each pupil — or €150 a child for those in the DEIS disadvantaged schools scheme — across the next two school years. But much smaller amounts are being given to the remaining schools, which will each receive €18 per pupil (or €20 each in DEIS schools) between 2015 and 2016.
Mr Quinn said a review of the scheme after the initial round of funding had already been promised, and this announcement will allow other schools expand or replace some books in their rental schemes.
The funding was a once-off investment from the proceeds of the sale of the National Lottery.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation said the extra funding would be welcome in schools but would not meet demand, as more parents are looking for financial help with school books because of the recession.
“If the minister wants schools to expand rental schemes, then he must provide adequate funding. An additional €9 or €10 is less than the average cost of one text book,” said general secretary Sheila Nunan.
