Ciaran Mather, 26 Apr
Over €2.8 million has been allocated for free school books, which will
be used by pupils in Kildare primary schools.
The announcement of the payment of €2,842,560 from Minister for
Education Norma Foley was welcomed by Fianna Fáil Senator O'Loughlin.
Senator O' Loughlin, who is also a former teacher, said: "This landmark
scheme will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for all
pupils attending primary and special schools in Kildare.
"Thereafter the grant should be used to eliminate costs of related
classroom resources such as pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners,
colouring pencils and whiteboard markers.
[1632493918895_1632494070.jpg--senator_fiona_o__loughlin_poses_with_the
_letter_she_received_from_joe_duffy.jpg?1632494070000]
Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File Photo.
"As part of Budget 2023, Minister Foley announced over €50 million to
provide free schoolbooks to primary school pupils within the free
education scheme from September 2023.
Senator O'Loughlin continued: "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.
"By providing free school books, workbooks and copy books, we will ease
some of the financial burden facing families with the back-to- school
costs."