Plans to introduce the free school book scheme to secondary schools are being considered by the Government. 

According to the Sunday Independent this morning, Education Minister Norma Foley is preparing for pre-Budget talks to try get funding for the scheme. 

Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators are urging Ms Foley and Finance Minister Michael McGrath to look into the extension to post-primary schools. 

Labour Education Spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the free book scheme would put less stress on families. 

“We've been calling for free books at the primary and secondary level for a number of years now,” he said. 

“We want education to be absolutely free. Parents shouldn't be thinking about money when it comes to their child's schooling. 

“Far too often, parents are having conversations about money with schools when they really should be talking about their own children's development.” 

Free school books

Ms Foley secured €50m in funding for the free book programme for primary school pupils in the last budget. The Independent reported an extension of the scheme is considered likely as long as funding is available in October. 

Under the primary school scheme students are given free textbooks, work books and copy books.