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THE government has announced details of a new scheme which provides free schoolbooks in primary schools and special schools.

Let the Hare Sit / Lig don nGi...

More than 558,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from the new scheme. This initiative will provide not only free schoolbooks, but also workbooks and copybooks, easing the financial burdens facing families during back-to-school time.

This funding will also provide schools with an Administration Support Grant to assist with the roll out and implementation of the scheme and to relieve the administrative burden on schools.

The investment of over €50 million significantly increases the funding for school books currently provided to all recognised primary schools in the country and delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Government to extend the free school book pilot, currently in over 100 primary schools in the DEIS programme.

This scheme will ensure that parents and guardians will not be asked to buy or rent any school books, workbooks or copy books as of autumn 2023. The department is issuing guidance for schools and any school with queries about the scheme can contact the department directly.

This new scheme means that:

➤ schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks will be provided for all pupils from schools

➤ there is no need parents or guardians to buy or rent these items

➤ schools will be provided with sufficient funding to cover the costs of providing these items

➤ schoolbooks are the property of the school and must be returned at the end of the school year

➤ schools will be provided with additional administration support

To support the administration of this scheme the department is allocating a grant to primary schools for the 2023/24 school year, based on the size of the school, to assist with any additional work required in order to implement the scheme. Schools may use this grant to employ an individual to carry out administrative work on the scheme.

Minister for Education Norma

Foley aid: “By providing our primary school children with free school books, we are enhancing their educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home.”

Financial Resilience Training Launch

TASC, the Think-tank for Action on Social Change has launched a three-year programme on financial resilience training throughout the country to help communities better tackle the cost-of-living crisis. The programme is funded by Aviva Ireland. It will be delivered through frontline charity services and community groups nationally through an interactive and educational financial inclusion and training programme.

The overall aim of the programme is to upskill individuals and households to better manage their finances. The free training will be provided to up to 50 charity staff members and 100 community participants each year, resulting in a positive impact on their families and the wider communities.

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