The free school book scheme could soon be extended to Leaving Cert students, the Education Minister has said.

Last year, the State introduced free textbooks for primary school students.  

From September, the scheme will be extended to Junior Cert students at a cost of €68 million. 

Free calculators and copy books will also be provided. 

Speaking to Newstalk, Education Minister Norma Foley said she hoped all school children would one day receive free textbooks. 

“That would certainly be my hope and aspiration but, obviously, that would be a budgetary consideration as well,” she said. 

“I think we have made transformative progress here, beginning with the primary schools. 

“We’ve now moved on to the Junior Cycle and certainly it would be my hope and expectation we can achieve it at the final leg of the Senior Cycle as well.” 

Schoolgirls sitting in front of their exercise books in a classroom. Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa

Some local bookshops have raised concerns the scheme will cost them footfall but Minister Foley said she hoped relationships between schools and local outlets could be maintained. 

“We have engaged with all of the stakeholders in this area,” she said. 

“That includes the management bodies, it includes the teaching unions, it does include the booksellers, the publishers and all of that. 

“We are very clear, as we were at primary [school level] that the existing relationship that a school may well have with the local bookstore, that relationship can continue - should they so wish.” 

The scheme is expected to benefit some 212,000 pupils.

Main image: Minister for Education Norma Foley. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie