School books scheme benefits over 37,000 students in region

Local TD Barry Cowen, has said Fianna Fáil in Government recognises that the cost of preparing children for school each September can be a cause of financial difficulty and worry for many Irish families.

In last years Budget, Minister for Education Norma Foley, secured a major investment of over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks in primary and special schools.

"This was a landmark moment in Irish education and one that furthers Fianna Fáil's goal to provide free education for all and ensure that every child can benefit from free education.

Deputy Cowen said. "The Free Primary Schoolbook Scheme has resulted in 37,547 pupils across Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath benefitting from free schoolbooks and classroom resources.

"Last week, Minister Foley announced that funding is allocated under Budget 2024 to extend the free schoolbooks scheme to all students in junior cycle years in public post primary schools. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million. The number of students expected to benefit from the Junior Cycle scheme in counties Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath under the new scheme is 14,870 overall.

"Fianna Fáil is acutely aware of the various costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school each September and I am confident that this new provision will further and significantly reduce the back to school financial burden for many families.''