Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
93. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education the anticipated cost of the provision of free schoolbooks for all second level students; if the matter was given consideration in the context of Budget 2023; if so, the way in which a decision not to proceed with free schoolbooks for second level students was arrived at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49865/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education if her Department has plans to extend the rollout of the free schoolbooks scheme announced in Budget 2023 to first-year pupils in post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49672/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 98 together.
The Exchequer has limited financial resources. It was a huge achievement to secure funding for the groundbreaking measure that provides free books to our pupils in primary schools. The Programme for Government commitment was to expand the free school book scheme to “schools nationwide, as resources allow”; and this remains the case. My aim for future budgets is to continue to deliver on the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government and to continue to support the students, staff, and families in the education sector.
