The Department of Education has announced details of a new scheme which will provide free schoolbooks in primary and special schools across the country.
More than 558,000 pupils in over 3200 schools will benefit from the initiative, and it's the first time the State has funded free books for every primary pupil.
It will not only provide free schoolbooks, but also workbooks and copybooks, easing the financial burdens facing families during back-to-school time.
The scheme was announced as part of Budget 2023 and is expected to become a permanent measure, with a €50 million investment aimed at ensuring parents and guardians will not be asked to buy or rent books for the Autumn.
Education Minister Norma Foley has said:
"The objective of the new scheme is about ensuring every child has the resources required to access education and also easing financial burdens surrounding the back to school costs which can be a cause of financial difficulty for many families each year."
"By providing our primary school children with free school books, we are enhancing their educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home."
The Department of Education is issuing guidance for schools, and any school with queries about the scheme can contact the Department directly.
