Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan has said the Government’s payment of more than €1.7 million for free school books for Cavan and Monaghan primary schools will help “dramatically” reduce back-to-school costs for families.  

Minister for Education Norma Foley on Wednesday confirmed the payment of €1,727,424 to provide primary school children in Cork with free school books. 

As part of Budget 2023, Minister Foley announced over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks to primary school pupils within the free education scheme from September 2023. 

In total more than 558,000 pupils enrolled in some 3,200 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from the new scheme.   

The initiative will provide not only free schoolbooks, but also workbooks and copybooks. 

Deputy Smith said: “This payment of more than €1.7 million for schools across Cavan/Monaghan will help dramatically reduce back-to-school costs for families. Minister Foley’s measure will eliminate the cost to families of all schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks at primary school, including special schools. 

“It is the first time in the history of the State that primary school children across the country will receive free school books.  

“This ground-breaking, permanent measure is further evidence of Fianna Fail’s commitment to supporting access to education for all by enhancing the educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home.” 

The Department of Education has said parents must not be asked to purchase schoolbooks or copybooks or be asked to make a contribution towards them. 

ENDS  27/04/2023