Over 9,500 children in Offaly to benefit from free schoolbooks from September

Local Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has welcomed that more than 9,500 children in Offaly will benefit from free schoolbooks, workbooks and copy books from September under an initiative introduced by Minister Norma Foley.

This has been made possible through the provision of over €915,000 worth of funding.

Nationwide, more than 558,000 pupils enrolled in over 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from the scheme. This scheme will significantly ease the financial burden facing families during back to-school time.

Over €50 million has been made available to support this scheme, including an administrative grant for schools rolling out the scheme.

Deputy Cowen said: “This is a landmark moment for Irish education, and one which will provide significant benefit for families around the country.

“Back-to-school time can be a challenging time for parents and families, and I welcome Minister Foley’s commitment to easing the burden. We in Fianna Fáil believe in the power of education, and we believe in making education truly accessible for all. This is yet another positive step forward, which I wholeheartedly welcome."