Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will raise the issue of the free school books scheme with the Minister for Education.

We are increasing the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance from the autumn. We are also significantly expanding DEIS provision from next September, with an increase of approximately 20% in funding. As the Deputy will be aware, the Department is currently going through a detailed process, including consultation, in selecting which schools should benefit from the DEIS status that we are committed to providing the funding for. I will ask the Minister for Education to respond directly to the Deputy regarding the scheme.

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