John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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786.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is intended that the free schoolbooks scheme will be extended to leaving certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32549/24]

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 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.