FF TD ‘shocked’ at price of schoolbooks

Some cash-strapped parents are being hit with school book bills that can run to several hundred euros, according to Fianna Fáil’s Charlie O’Connor

The Dublin South West TD said it was unacceptable that parents should face such high costs.

“After being approached by worried parents I was shocked to discover that some geography, business and history books for children starting second level school are well over €30 and in some cases closer to €40,” he said.

“Given the cost of books I will be asking the Director of Consumer Affairs to investigate the prices being charged to ensure that parents are not being ripped off, during a period when they face the pressure of back to school.”

Mr O’Connor said he had raised his concerns with Minister for Education Mary Hanafin.

“She has assured me that there will be significant supports for parents under the school books scheme in August,” he said.

Mr O’Connor said it would be unacceptable if recent increases in the Back to School Clothing allowance were swallowed up by the high prices of school books.

The TD said the books appear to be sourced from a small number of publishers and this should be examined to ensure it was not driving up prices.

“Schools and teachers also have a role to play and book-sharing and second hand book schemes should be introduced whenever possible,” he said.