44,500 Meath youngsters to benefit from continued roll-out of Free Schoolbooks Scheme

Almost 44,500 young people in County Meath will benefit from the Government’s Free Schoolbooks Scheme, representing a major investment in reducing the cost of education for families across the county.

Total funding of €7,356,638 has been allocated to schools in Meath under the scheme. This includes €5,287,118 for post-primary schools and €2,069,520 for primary schools, ensuring students at both levels will receive free schoolbooks and core classroom resources.

In total, 142 schools across Meath are benefiting from the scheme this year, including 26 post-primary schools and 116 primary schools, supporting students in communities right across the county.

The Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton said:

"The Free Schoolbooks Scheme is making a real difference for families by easing back-to-school costs and ensuring that every child and young person in our schools has the resources they need to learn and succeed. In Meath, almost 44,500 students will benefit directly from this significant investment."

“By providing funding directly to schools, the Government is removing the cost of books and resources as a barrier to participation in education and supporting greater equity and consistency in classrooms. The Free Schoolbooks Scheme covers schoolbooks and a range of essential classroom resources, removing the need for parents and guardians to purchase or rent these items at the start of the school year."

The Minister also acknowledged the work of school staff across the county.

“I want to thank principals, teachers and school staff throughout Meath for their work in implementing this scheme. Their efforts are ensuring that students benefit fully from this important Government support.”

Minister Thomas Byrne has welcomed the announcement.

“This is positive news for families right across Meath. The cost of sending children back to school can be a real financial burden, and this scheme helps to alleviate that pressure and provide meaningful impact for thousands of parents and guardians.

Minister Byrne also acknowledged the role of schools delivering the scheme:

“This investment demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to reducing the cost of education and supporting families. I am confident that this initiative will make a real difference in classrooms right across Meath.”