Free books may not be available in every secondary school by September, Foley admits

Move aimed at easing financial pressure on families faces 'challenges and difficulties'

 Minister for Education Norma Foley. A survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputies found just 36% of principals had confidence in their school’s ability to deliver the scheme effectively by September. File Picture: PA

Education Minister Norma Foley has conceded that not all secondary schools may have free school books in place by the start of September, saying that “nothing will be 100% perfect”.

The Education Minister said supports have been put in place to help secondary schools procure school books while acknowledging that issues may crop up.

Last month, the National Association of Principals and Deputies (Napd) raised concerns about procurement issues for the expanded scheme, saying that it is a “massive stumbling block” for schools.

Speaking in Dublin, Ms Foley said that there are always challenges when introducing and updating schemes. “Look, there’s always going to be challenges and difficulties and nothing will be 100% perfect, I absolutely know that,” Ms Foley said.

“I know at times, even from my own teaching background, there can be an occasion where a book hasn’t become available or something has gone wrong.

“But in the round, if you look at what was achieved in primary school, everything worked that should work, notwithstanding there could have been a hiccup here and there."

A survey by the Napd found just 36% of principals had confidence in their school’s ability to deliver the scheme effectively by September, with 83% raising concerns about a lack of supports.

Due to both national and EU regulations, all secondary schools seeking to buy schoolbooks valued at more than €50,000 must engage in a procurement process through the tender system.

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Ms Foley said that her department has increased staffing levels to assist with this procurement, alongside providing webinars and helplines for schools in advance of September.

On the potential impact of the free books scheme on smaller and independent bookshops, Ms Foley said that she was “very conscious” of the need to support small retailers.

“For that very reason, there isn’t the national framework where everybody’s being asked to draw down from a national framework,” Ms Foley said.

“We’re saying, if you have a relationship with your local bookstore, well then continue that relationship. You have the autonomy.”

She added that there will be a “full review” of the scheme each year to examine how it works on a year-on-year basis.