It will not be acceptable for schools to ask parents for voluntary contributions to cover school books when the new free book programme is rolled out, Education Minister Norma Foley has said.
She made the comments as she announced that each school will be given €96 per child to eliminate the cost of school books in primary schools and special schools.
More than 558,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from the new scheme. Free school books, workbooks and copybooks will be provided by schools to students.