Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
94. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education the specific plans in place for free school-books as announced in Budget 2023 including whether it will apply to all children, including the children in fee paying primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49594/22]
View answerAs 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 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.
The Free Book Scheme will be available to all recognised primary in the free education sector. There is no funding for any educational establishments outside of this category.
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.
