More than 20,000 local students benefit from free schoolbooks

Some 20,492 children and young people at primary and secondary schools in Westmeath now benefit from the free schoolbooks scheme, Minister Peter Burke has confirmed.

Government introduced the scheme in Budget 2023 to remove the cost of schoolbooks from families by providing funding directly to schools, and more than €3.5 million has been allocated to Westmeath schools to date. Minister Burke said this is “excellent news for families across Westmeath”.

“There are more than 20,000 young people benefiting here, which is making a tangible difference for all families,” he said.

“Fine Gael in government are committed to reducing costs for families and tackling the cost of education is central to that. “The scheme ensures every child and young person in our schools has the resources they need to learn and succeed by reducing what was a financial barrier to participation in education. It creates greater equality and consistency in classrooms.”

Minister Burke added: “Every child in Westmeath deserves equal access to the resources they need in a classroom, regardless of their family’s financial situation,” he said.

Post-primary school funding in Westmeath: 9,241 students at 15 schools, funding of €2,601,684; Junior Cycle: 4,807 students (€1,485,363); Transition Year: 1,253 students (€177,926); Senior Cycle: 3,181 students (€938,395).

Primary schools: 11,251 pupils at 77 schools, with funding of €900,080.

The Department of Education and Youth will continue to work with schools to support the delivery of the scheme and to further reduce the cost of education for families nationwide.

Further information can be accessed at gov.ie/schoolbookschemes.