Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This scheme involves a significant investment and will benefit more than 540,000 students. The scheme will take a burden away from parents and guardians. It also will ensure that no student is limited by an absence of textbooks. We have between now and next September to work this through this scheme. It was always my preference that the scheme would be introduced in schools and worked through with the partners in education, thus providing an opportunity for all of the expertise that is already in place to be availed of. For example, we have a significant book rental scheme in place at primary level that is availed of by more than 97% of schools. There is considerable expertise already in schools. This scheme will be worked through with schools. The scheme is a groundbreaking move in education, as well as a positive move for students and their families.