Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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808. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to confirm the timeline for full roll out of the free schoolbook scheme at post-primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59036/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Education and Youth, 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 last, 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. My department has published guidance for post-primary schools around the operation of the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme, in continued engagement with all stakeholders. Further information on the free schoolbooks scheme is available at Schoolbooks Scheme Information Hub www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/schoolbooks-scheme-information-hub/.

From the start of the current school year, for the first time, all children and young people enrolled in primary, special and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme were provided with schoolbooks and core classroom resources. Parents and guardians will not be asked to purchase schoolbooks and core classroom resources or to make a financial contribution to the school towards the cost of these items.

A total funding package of over €170 million is available in 2025 under the schoolbooks scheme. 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.