Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
329. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth if school policies allowing students to bring home free school books, keeping parents engaged in their child's education, are adopted nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2996/26]
View answerAs 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.
Last year saw the introduction of the final phase of the free schoolbooks scheme with the extension of the scheme to Senior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. 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.
My department has published guidance for schools around the operation of both the Primary and Post-primary Schoolbooks Schemes. The guidance provides schools with advice and support on how the scheme should be implemented at a local level.
Each school’s board of management/ETB are responsible for ensuring the effective administration of the Schoolbooks schemes within the key principles outlined in the relevant guidance. While schoolbooks remain the property of the school, it advises that pupils/students should be allowed to bring schoolbooks home to complete homework or to allow parents/guardians stay connected with their child’s learning in school.
