The free school books scheme is being extended to Leaving Certificate students, the Minister for Education has revealed.
Education Minister Helen McEntee has today received Government approval to roll out the scheme for those in the senior cycle.
It is the final stage of the initiative to be introduced and will be available to all pupils in the public school system.
Minister McEntee said it will remove a major barrier to education for many families.
“A significant amount of funding has been secured - €123 million overall,” she said.
“Of course, I want to make sure that it can be rolled out as quickly and effectively as possible, so there will be access to early funding from now.
“There will be guidelines put in place, there will be supports put in place to schools as well, to make sure that they can go through the tender process as quickly as possible.”
The free school books scheme has been operational in primary schools since September 2023 and in secondary school's junior cycle since September 2024.
Students carrying bags and books in September 2018. Picture by: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo/Ben Birchall
