Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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458. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to respond to correspondence received (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38891/25]

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.

In 2024, the free Schoolbooks Scheme was expanded from primary schools and rolled out to all children and young people enrolled in Junior Cycle years in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. In early February, I was delighted to announce the further expansion of the free Schoolbooks Scheme to all students in Senior Cycle years, including Transition Year, in the Free Education Scheme.

From September, 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 funding package of over €123 million is available in 2025 to ensure we provide schoolbooks and classroom resources to all post-primary students within the Free Education Scheme. My department has put in place an enhanced administration support grant package for post-primary schools in recognition of the volume of work to be undertaken this year with the further expansion of the scheme.

A tailored procurement solution has been set up to support schools in meeting their procurement obligations. 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. The scheme will benefit approximately 940,000 children and young people and will help to ease the financial burden facing families at back-to-school time.