Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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770.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the implementation of the free schoolbooks scheme for all secondary school students, inclusive of the leaving certificate cycle. [32426/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the costs associated with accessing primary and post-primary education place a financial burden on many families each year.

A number of measures are in place to support those families most in need including the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Scheme and the School Meals Programme.

For the 2024/2025 school year I have secured over €68 million in funding to provide free books and core classroom resources to Junior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This measure will eliminate the cost to families for all schoolbooks for Junior Cycle students, including core classroom resources. Post-primary schools will also continue to receive a book grant from my Department which can be used to support book rental schemes.

The Junior Cycle Schoolbook Scheme was announced with scheme guidance and funding issuing to all schools in March. Details of the scheme are published at www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes.

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