7,646 children in County Carlow to benefit from free school book scheme

Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education Norma Foley the estimated number of children who will benefit from the free schoolbooks scheme in primary schools in Carlow.

Foley recently announced details of Ireland’s first national primary free school book scheme, which will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks, in recognised primary schools and special schools from September 2023.  

The scheme will benefit over 558,000 children and young people, across every county in Ireland, including some 7,646 children in Co. Carlow. 

The total investment, of over €50 million, significantly increases the funding for school books currently provided to all recognised primary schools in the country. 

Schools have received €96 per pupil and the funding, based on pupil enrolment figures, was paid in April.