Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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702. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when each primary school will be advised of the amount they have been allocated under the new free book scheme; and when each school can expect to receive payment. [13159/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you for your query to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD in relation to the free schoolbooks scheme for primary schools.

Budget 2023 provided additional funding to provide free schoolbooks to primary school pupils enrolled in recognised primary schools, including special schools, from September 2023. The measure will eliminate the cost to families for all school books, including workbooks and where possible some related classroom resources, in recognised primary schools and special schools.

The Department commenced engagement with relevant stakeholders as to how the scheme will operate at the end of 2022. It is recognised that work on this scheme will need to commence in schools after the Easter break.

Detailed guidance on the measure is being finalised as part of the engagement process with schools, management bodies and other stakeholders. 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.

It is important to note that schools will continue to have autonomy to choose books that meet curricular requirements.

It is planned that funds will be provided directly to schools to purchase school books and related classroom resources. Schools buy books directly from school book suppliers at present as part of the implementation of school book rental schemes which already exist in many schools.