Government hoping to extend free schoolbook scheme to secondary pupils

Foley confirmed that 500,000 children will be given free school books next year.

Earlier this week, the Government announced that primary school children will be given their books for free in 2023. The move has been welcomed by parents across the country, but many with children in secondary school feel forgotten about. However, Minister for Education Norma Foley says she hopes to extend the programme to secondary school pupils in the near future. She said she is aware of how expensive back-to-school season is for parents and hopes the scheme will alleviate some of the financial strain. Over half a million children will be given free schoolbooks next year. The €47 million scheme was unveiled as part of Budget 2023 this week. According to The Irish Examiner, Foley said this is a "first step" and she hopes to expand the scheme to post-primary schools. However, she said that wasn't possible because the budget is "limited". “There will be a genuine determination in schools to make things work. It is a really positive move for children and their families.” Parents with children in secondary school are currently spending €1500 on back-to-school supplies. They're also spending an average of €1200 per child in primary school. The move comes after Foley announced an increase to the Back-to-School Allowance.