Free school books must be extended to all children in Budget 2024
- Limiting free school books to those in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year is a missed opportunity
Labour spokesperson on Education Aodhán Ó Riordáin TD has called on Government to extend free school books to all children, not just 1st, 2nd and 3rd years, in budget 2024.
Deputy Ó Riordáin said:
“No child should be left behind because their parents cannot afford to buy them the school books they need.
“It has been indicated today that in Budget 2024, Government will provide free school books to those in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. This is a missed opportunity. School books should be free to all school children.
“This is a matter of social justice. Every child deserves a fair chance in life, and that includes having access to the resources they need to succeed in school.
“The cost of school books is a major financial burden on families. Parents dread the back to school time of year when conversations are dominated by finances, not progress and learning. Government needs to get its act together to ensure that education is genuinely free.
“Government has the resources to make free school books a reality. They have made a commitment to invest in education, and this is a key investment that would make a real difference to the lives of families and children across the country.
“Labour is calling on the Government to extend free school books to all school children in Budget 2024.”