Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
294. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will consider extending the free schoolbook scheme her Department has launched for primary schools to include all students attending second level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32301/23]
View answerI am aware that the costs associated with accessing primary and post-primary education place a financial burden on many families each year.
A number of measures are in place to support those families most in need including the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Scheme and the School Meals Programme. Post-primary schools also currently receive a book grant from my Department which can be used to support book rental schemes.
For the 2023/24 school year I have secured over €50 million in funding to provide free books to primary school students in recognised primary schools and special schools from September 2023. This measure will eliminate the cost to families for all school books at primary school, including workbooks and copybooks. The extension of the free school book scheme to students in recognised post-primary schools will be considered in the context of the available resources going forward.
