Nationally, over €50 million has been allocated.
Over €3 Million euro in funding has been announced for the provision of free books to schools in the midlands.
Schoolbooks, workbooks and copies are being made available to primary and special schools under the scheme.
Westmeath will receive the most funding with over €1,100,000 euro, followed by Laois which will see over €1 million and Offaly with over €900,000.
The scheme will see books made free in over 3,000 schools nationwide, benefiting more than 558,000 pupils.
Laois Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen says:
“I welcome today’s announcement that funding of €915,648 is being paid to schools across Offaly providing primary school children with free books for the first time in the history of the state. This ground-breaking, permanent measure is further evidence of Fianna Fail’s commitment to supporting access to education for all by enhancing the educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home. By providing free school books, workbooks and copy books, we will ease some of the financial burden facing families with the back-to- school costs.”
I was pleased beyond measure to visit St. Thomas' JNS in Lucan to announce the payment of over €50 million to primary schools to provide free schoolbooks from September 2023 with @shanemoynihan, @EmerHigginsTD and public reps. A memorable reception and unforgettable visit. pic.twitter.com/9l6DBgBk0r
— Norma Foley T.D (@NormaFoleyTD1) April 26, 2023
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