Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
349. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to examine the possibility of expanding the schoolbooks scheme to include instruments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
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/eBooks and core classroom resources. Parents and guardians were not asked to purchase or to make a financial contribution to the school towards the cost of these items.
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 [www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes].
The scope of the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme focuses on schoolbooks, materials to write on, materials required for practical subjects and project support equipment where the costs for these items were previously borne by parents/guardians, either by purchasing the item or by paying a fee to the school for the item.
When all schoolbooks and core classroom resources under this scheme are provided, schools should use any surplus funding to purchase additional classroom resources. Information on what can be purchased under this category is outlined in the guidance published at the above link.
With a total funding package of over €160 million available in 2026, the Schoolbooks Scheme continues to benefit almost one million children and young people and is helping to ease the financial burden facing families at back-to-school time.
