Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 323 of 23 May 2023, if private schools are included in the free schoolbook scheme; and if she will clarify the meaning of "recognised schools". [26894/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The new primary school book scheme will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks, in recognised primary schools and special schools. More than 558,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from this measure.

The total investment, of over €50 million, significantly increases the funding for school books which is currently provided to all recognised primary schools in the country.

The funding provided under this scheme is specifically to provide free school books to recognised primary school pupils including those in special schools, in the free education scheme, from September 2023.

Private fee charging primary schools are not recognised schools under the Education Act and the Department has no role in their funding or management