Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
431. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education the estimated number of children who will benefit from the free schoolbooks scheme in primary schools in counties Kildare, Wicklow and Meath, respectively for 2023-2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35891/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced details of Ireland’s first national primary free school book scheme, which will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks, in recognised primary schools and special schools from September 2023.
It ensures equity of opportunity in education, where all pupils are supported to fulfil their potential and reflects the importance this Government places on education. The scheme will benefit over 558,000 children and young people, across every county in Ireland, including some 29,610 children in Co. Kildare, 17,963 children in Co. Wicklow, and 26,625 children in Co. Meath.
The total investment, of over €50 million, significantly increases the funding for school books currently provided to all recognised primary schools in the country. The implementation of the measure will build on the experience of the existing school book rental scheme which is available in the majority of recognised primary schools and on the free school books pilot provided to over 100 primary DEIS schools in recent years.
Schools have received €96 per pupil and the funding, based on pupil enrolment figures, was paid in April.
This ground-breaking, permanent measure will ease some of the financial burden facing families with the back-to-school costs.
