Free school books for local children

Children attending primary and special schools in Kilkenny and Carlow are set to bene t from free school books from September, Fine Gael TD, John Paul Phelan has said. Deputy Phelan outlined details of a hugely signi cant funding package which will eliminate the cost to families for all school books, workbooks and copybooks at all primary and special schools within the free education scheme.

“ is is a landmark funding package, totalling €50 million, which was secured in Budget 2023 and ful ls Fine Gael’s commitment to have a rst class education system, which was contained in the Fine Gael 2020 General Election manifesto,” Deputy Phelan said.

“I am delighted that the de- livery of this promise to ease the burden of back to school costs for families has come to pass today. e scheme will bene t more than 558,000 pupils nationally, who are attending approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools.

“Grant payments are being made this week, which means schools will now have the funding required to cover the costs of providing all these items well in advance of the start of the next school year. It’s important to also acknowledge that this provision, as well as easing the Cost of Living burden of families, means that every child will be equal in the classroom, with access to all the required materials which can and will only enhance their educational experience.”