Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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621. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to concerns of small schoolbook retailers regarding the knock-on impact of the free schoolbooks scheme that has seen schools engage directly with suppliers; if her Department has engaged with representatives of this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11277/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Education, I want to ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity of access to education that empowers them to thrive and realise their full potential.

On 5th February I announced details of the final phase of the free schoolbooks scheme with the extension of the scheme to Senior Cycle, including Transition Year, students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme.

From the start of the 2025/26 school year, for the first time, all children and young people enrolled in primary, special and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme will be provided with schoolbooks and core classroom resources.

A total funding package of over €170 million is available in 2025 under the schoolbooks scheme and the scheme will benefit almost one million children and young people and will help to ease the financial burden facing families at back-to-school time.

Since the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme was announced in 2023, my department has engaged with representatives of both schoolbook suppliers and schoolbook publishers. It is important to note that schools, like other organisations that receive public sector funding, have obligations that stem from both EU and national public procurement rules when sourcing goods and services.

My Department does not advise schools to engage or employ any specific supplier, but rather provides the supports to schools to ensure that they meet their procurement obligations by applying a competitive process when sourcing goods.

In relation to Voluntary Secondary and Community and Comprehensive schools, my Department is currently finalising a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) which will support these schools and schoolbook suppliers in the procurement process from 2025. A DPS is an electronic method of procurement used for the supply of goods and/or services. Schoolbook suppliers have been encouraged to apply for admittance to the DPS. My Department will be in contact with the schools shortly to provide a tailored suite of resources that will support them as they navigate the DPS from 2025.

The Free Schoolbooks Scheme is about making sure every child and young person has the books and resources they need to learn, thrive and grow.