Nearly 1 million students will benefit from free school books this September

The free school books scheme helps many families across Ireland

Minister McEntee also detailed year three of the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme, which provides free schoolbooks to pupils in primary schools and special schools. 

McEntee stated: “I am delighted to confirm that for the first time ever, from the start of the next school year, nearly one million students in primary, special, and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme will be provided with free school books.

“This brings the total investment in free schoolbooks in 2025 to €170 million.

"This will ensure that every child has the tools they need to access their education," McEntee added.

“In providing these books, it will ease some of the financial pressures facing families during the back-to-school period.

“Today, I am also confirming the details of the free Primary Schoolbooks Scheme. All schools will receive guidance, and the Administration support grant will remain in place for the coming school year.

“By providing students with their schoolbooks, we are not only easing the burden on parents, but enhancing children’s experiences both in school and at home.”

Free school books for primary pupils is an investment of nearly €47 million.

The scheme ensures that families will not be asked to buy or rent any schoolbooks, workbooks, or copybooks.

Irish families are all too aware of the financial pressure that comes with sending children to school.

The free book scheme will undoubtedly help ease some of that pressure.