Norma Foley wants to expand free books to Leaving Cert students

As well as expanding free school books to junior cycle students, Education Minister Norma Foley said that it remains her 'absolute ambition' to provide free books to students in fourth, fifth, and sixth year. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Education Minister Norma Foley has said it is her ambition to expand free school books to Leaving Cert students but confirmed the expansion announced on Tuesday concerns non-fee-paying schools only.

Defending her decision to expand free books to junior cycle students, Ms Foley said that books at junior cycle are more expensive than those at senior cycle. She added that it remains her “absolute ambition” to expand free books to those in fourth, fifth, and sixth year.