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

Earlier this year I announced the establishment of Ireland’s first national primary school book scheme. More than 558,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from this new measure.

Detailed guidance for primary schools on the scheme was published and issued to all recognised primary schools and special schools in March 2023.

The investment in this scheme significantly increases the funding for school books provided to date to all recognised primary schools in the country.

The primary school book grant funding for the 2023/24 academic year, totalling over €53 million was paid directly to all recognised primary and special schools in April, to allow schools implement the scheme in time for the start of the 2023/24 school year.

A full evaluation of the first year of implementation of the scheme will be undertaken in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, to inform the guidance, implementation, costs and efficiency of the scheme for future years.

My Department currently provides a book grant to all recognised post primary schools within the Free Education Scheme in order to provide assistance for books, including Book Rental Schemes. Under this scheme, my Department provided funding of €10.2 million in 2022 to these schools.

The extension of the free school book scheme to students in recognised post-primary schools will be considered in the context of the available resources going forward as part of budget negotiations.