Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Schools will have the autonomy to purchase the books from their nearest and local provider, or whomever they have an existing relationship with. I am conscious that many schools have strong relationships with their local bookshop or local book provider and that autonomy will continue. The schools will make the decision as to where they will source the books.

The funding that is being provided is specifically for the provision of textbooks and workbooks. Schools make their own policy around whether they use e-books or textbooks but the funding will be made available on the basis of the provision of appropriate textbooks and workbooks. Schools will continue to have autonomy to decide with whom they will do business in the provision of those books. If they have an existing relationship with a local provider, they will have the freedom to make a decision to continue that relationship with that local provider.

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