School Textbooks

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022

Tuesday, 11 October 2022

Questions (121, 148, 149, 150)

Alan Farrell

Question:

121. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of the implementation of the free primary schoolbooks scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49603/22]

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

148. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education if all school workbooks will be considered under the new scheme to provide free schoolbooks to all primary school children from September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49970/22]

Alan Dillon

Question:

149. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the way in which her Department intends to implement the scheme for free primary schoolbooks; if local bookstores that currently provide these books will be included in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49915/22]

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

150. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Education the parameters that are being considered in the roll-out of the free book scheme at primary level to ensure best learner outcomes while maximising value for money for the taxpayer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49623/22]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 148, 149 and 150 together.

As part of Budget 2023, I secured funding to provide free books to primary school students in recognised primary schools from September 2023. The measure will eliminate the cost to families for all school books at primary school, including workbooks.

Now that funding has been secured, my Department will now engage with the education partners to roll out the measure in time for the September 2023 school year. The implementation of the measure will build on the existing school book rental scheme, the free school books pilot provided to over one hundred schools in recent years and the planning work already commenced,

It is planned that funds will be provided to schools to purchase school books and classroom resources. Schools will be encouraged to seek the best value for money when procuring school books and related classroom resources. Schools buy books directly from school book retailers at present as part of the implementation of the school book rental scheme. Ninety-six percent of primary schools participate in the book rental scheme.

Guidance on the procurement of books will be developed as part of our further engagement process with schools, parent and management bodies and other stakeholders on this measure. This will ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for pupils.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 85.