Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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531. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the anticipated cost per child of the proposed extension of the free book scheme as in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54385/22]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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532. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will set out the additional cost that would be incurred by including children who attend fee-paying primary schools in the proposed extension of the free book scheme as in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54386/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 532 together.

The introduction of a new scheme to provide free books for all students has been a priority of mine since taking office and signifies a new chapter in Irish primary education. This permanent initiative will greatly reduce the burden on families and reflects the importance this Government places on education. It will benefit up to 540,000 primary school students, across every county. Over €50 million has been allocated for the measure, and planning work has commenced. The implementation of the measure will build on the existing school book rental scheme and the free school books pilot provided to over one hundred schools in recent years. My Department will engage with the education partners to roll out the measure in time for the September 2023 school year and has part of planning and engagement per pupil rates will be decided.

The Free Book Scheme will be available to all recognised primary schools in the free education sector. Education funding, including for the Free Book Scheme, is not provided for any educational establishments outside of this category.