Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

251. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way that the free primary book scheme that was announced in Budget 2023, will be rolled out in a timely and affordable manner. [59978/22]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

252. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has consulted with the relevant stakeholders that will be involved in the provision of the free primary book scheme that was announced in budget 2023. [59979/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

As part of Budget 2023, I announced over €50 million to provide free books to primary school pupils within the free education scheme from September 2023. This measure will eliminate the cost to these families for all school books at primary school, including workbooks. It delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to extend the free school book pilot, currently in 102 DEIS primary schools, as resources permit. The free primary school books scheme will benefit up to 540,000 pupils in approximately 3,240 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools.

The implementation of the measure will build on the existing school book rental scheme which is available in some 96% of recognised primary schools. It also builds the free school books pilot provided to over one hundred primary DEIS schools in recent years.

My officials are continuing to engage as how the scheme will operate. Initial contact has been made with some of the education partners in relation to the measure. Over the coming period my Department will be engaging further with the education partners and other stakeholders to roll out the measure in time for the 2023/24 school year.

Guidance on the procurement of books will be developed as part of our further engagement process with schools, parent and management bodies and other stakeholders on this measure. The scheme will seek to ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for pupils. Schools will continue to have autonomy to choose books that meet curricular requirements.