Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Government believes that a rise in the cost of living should never be a barrier to education. In order to ensure this remains the case and as part of the cost of living measures announced in Budget 23, the government provided €90m for once off additional capitation funding.

All recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education scheme benefited from this additional capitation funding in December 2022 which represents an increase of circa 40% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.

The Government has introduced a new scheme to provide free schoolbooks to children and young people enrolled in recognised primary schools, including special schools, which will greatly reduce the burden on these families and reflects the importance that the Government places on education.

This scheme will ensure that parents and guardians of children in primary schools will not be asked to buy or rent any school books, workbooks or copy books as of autumn 2023.

Voluntary contributions can be requested by schools, however it must be made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay, and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own choice, and there is no compulsion to pay. In the context of the current cost of living crisis and the additional funding being made available to schools, I have previously indicated that schools should not seek additional voluntary contributions from parents.