Catherine Murphy
Question:747. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify who will be handling administration at school level in respect of the free books scheme. [13451/23]
View answerTuesday, 21 March 2023
Questions (747)
Written answers
Budget 2023 has allocated additional funding to provide free schoolbooks to primary school pupils enrolled in recognised primary schools, including special schools, from September 2023. The measure will eliminate the cost to families for all school books, including workbooks and where possible some related classroom resources, in recognised primary schools and special schools.
My Department has engaged with all relevant stakeholders, including schools, management bodies, unions, representatives of booksellers and schoolbook publishers, as to how the scheme will operate. Schools were recently informed that my Department will issue detailed guidance in advance of the Easter break on the implementation of the scheme. The implementation of this scheme will build on the existing book rental schemes in place already in the majority of primary schools and the DEIS pilot free schoolbook scheme.