Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has said the free schoolbooks schemes will make a real difference for families across Galway, with over 53,000 children and young people set to benefit in the 2026/2027 school year, supported by an investment of over €9 million in schools across the county.

In total, 29,615 primary school pupils in 224 recognised schools across Galway will be covered under the scheme, including those in special schools. For those families, the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks is now fully taken care of.

An investment of over €2.3 million is being provided to primary schools across Galway to support the scheme.

At post-primary level, 23,553 students across 51 schools participating in the Free Education Scheme will also benefit, with schoolbooks and core classroom resources provided without any contribution required from parents.

Funding of over €6.6 million is being provided to post-primary schools in Galway under the scheme.

Minister Canney said it’s a change families will feel straight away: “Every year, getting children ready for school brings a list of costs with it, and books are a big part of that.

“This scheme takes that worry away. Parents will know that those core costs are covered, and that makes a difference.”

He added: “It’s a straightforward scheme and means every child in those schools starts the academic year on the same footing.”

Minister Canney also acknowledged there is a lot of work happening in schools to put the scheme in place.

Schools will contact parents and guardians directly with details on what is covered in their own school.