Students in Cork to benefit from free schoolbooks

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea says nearly one million students across Ireland will benefit from expansion of free schoolbooks scheme.

Deputy O’Shea said that students in primary, special and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme will be provided with free schoolbooks in Cork.

“It’s fantastic to see further expansion of the Free Education Scheme. By providing these books, it will ease some of the financial pressures facing families in Cork during the back-to-school period.

“Schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks will be provided directly to all pupils by schools, so there is no need for parents or guardians to buy or rent books.

“Schools will also be provided with sufficient funding to cover the costs of supplying these books and all schools will receive guidance on the scheme. 

“It’s also great to see the Department of Education will maintain an Administration Support Grant to help schools implement the scheme and relieve the administrative burden on schools.

“In particular, this is a major support for parents of children with special educational needs, in mainstream, special classes, or special schools.

“Fine Gael and Minister Helen McEntee want to ensure that every child has the tools they need to access their education. This is a very expensive time for Parents, by removing the cost of books and school meals, we are ensuring every child can access school and their parents do not have to worry about the significant cost it can bring”, concluded Deputy O’Shea