Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The introduction of the free primary schoolbooks scheme is a historic moment in education and helps us live up to the promise of free education. I thank the Senator for raising this matter and emphasise the significance of the funding for this groundbreaking scheme. I also acknowledge the enormous amount of work that has taken place since the scheme was announced in March. It is ongoing to ensure children and young people in primary and special school have books in place for the beginning of new school year.

I thank the Senator for making practical, positive suggestions for how to improve the scheme. I will bring them back to the Minister. The Department of Education would be wise to consider all the Senator's suggestions as part of the evaluation of the first full year of the scheme's operation.