Statement from Green Party Senator Pauline O'Reilly on the announcement of the free books for primary schools

Green Party Spokesperson for Education, Senator Pauline O'Reilly stated, on the announcement of the free books for primary schools;

“The cost of primary school books is a burden that we are ending as a government. This is something that will be of benefit to all families of children in primary school as the cost is on average €110 per child.

“This cost was in large part due to the constant publishing of new editions of schoolbooks, forcing families to pay for an amended version of a book even if an older sibling or member of the community had one they no longer needed and could pass on. We therefore want to see an approach that ends the frequent publishing of new editions of school books, and to phase out the use of workbooks, in line with the programme for government commitment. This approach was not only costing parents, but it was unnecessary and until the practice is ended it will continue to cost the state money and create unnecessary waste. This is why the Green Party will continue to look for a more sustainable approach to school books."