Free books will be provided in all primary schools and special schools in Cavan and Monaghan. This permanent measure was brought in this week by Minister for Education Norma Foley in a bid to ease some of the financial burden facing families with the back-to- school costs. The initiative will provide not only free schoolbooks, but also workbooks and copybooks.
Speaking to Northern Sound, former teacher and Cavan Senator Joe O'Reilly, believes the new scheme will ensure that every child has the resources required to access education. "It's a major intervention and it will greatly relieve the pressure on parents and greatly provide equality of opportunity.
"It's all about offering a level playing field so that every child is valued equally, and that any child due to a lack of financial wealth would not be prevented them from having a full education or be given the same opportunity as their neighbours and that's so important," he explained.
Senator O'Reilly added, "The provision of free books to primary schools, particularly special schools, will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the academic, social, and emotional development of children."
