Local Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan, has welcomed details of a new groundbreaking scheme which provides free schoolbooks to Junior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme.
The announcement was made earlier today by Fianna Fáil Minister for Education Norma Foley who said she expects more than 212,000 students enrolled in approximately 670 post-primary schools nationwide to benefit from this scheme.
Senator McGreehan said, “Fianna Fáil understands that the transition from primary to post-primary can put an increased financial burden on families. I’m delighted to welcome details of today’s funding package of over €68 million for the introduction of a landmark new scheme which will provide, at a minimum, free schoolbooks, and core classroom resources for all students in Junior Cycle years in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme for the 2024/25 school year.
“This scheme will ensure that parents and guardians of students enrolled in Junior Cycle years across Louth will not be asked to buy or rent any schoolbooks. Special schools in which children and young people with special educational needs are enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes will also receive the Junior Cycle rate in respect of these students in 2024/25.
“This ground-breaking, permanent measure is further evidence of Fianna Fail’s commitment to supporting access to education for all by enhancing the educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home and easing the financial burdens facing families during back-to-school time.”
