Payment of over €2.8 million for free school books announced for Kildare primary schools

Over €2.8 million has been allocated for free school books, which will be used by pupils in Kildare primary schools.

The announcement of the payment of €2,842,560 from Minister for Education Norma Foley was welcomed by Fianna Fáil Senator O'Loughlin.

Senator O' Loughlin, who is also a former teacher, said: "This landmark scheme will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for all pupils attending primary and special schools in Kildare.

"Thereafter the grant should be used to eliminate costs of related classroom resources such as pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, colouring pencils and whiteboard markers.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File Photo.

"As part of Budget 2023, Minister Foley announced over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks to primary school pupils within the free education scheme from September 2023.

Senator O'Loughlin continued: "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."