LE candidate welcomes extension of free book scheme to junior cycle students

Fine Gael local election candidate in Mullingar Local Electoral Area Gerry Heery has welcomed Minister of Education Norma Foley’s extension of free books scheme from this September.

“I really feel that extending the Free Books Scheme to Junior Cycle Students will have a major positive impact on families and the annual cost of going back to school will be somewhat easier with this new scheme in place.

“I’m particularly interested to see that this measure will be applied to special schools also, where my immediate experience lies and as a teacher in South Hill Delvin, I can see where this scheme will be a great help to parents and aid with the cost of living. Not only books will be covered, but stationary, calculators, etc will be provided under the scheme.

“I know local secondary schools are busy making plans to bring this to reality and they are getting some supports to do so with an Administrative Support Grant to help them with the logistical arrangements to bring this to reality for September,” said Gerry.