Primary schools and special schools will receive funding this week to pay for schoolbooks for all pupils next year.
Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan have confirmed over €53 million for the scheme.
It amounts to €96 per child.
The measure is designed to ease some of the financial burden facing families with back-to-school costs and brings Ireland into line with other developed countries.
The scheme will benefit more than 558,000 pupils nationally in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including more than 130 special schools.
Minister Foley said: "While it is imperative that every child in Ireland has the resources required to access education, the Government recognises that back-to-school costs can be a source of financial difficulty for many families every year."
"Grant payments being made this week as part of this groundbreaking new scheme will mean that parents or guardians will no longer need to buy or rent schoolbooks, workbooks or copybooks for their children," she stated.
"Schools will now have the funding required to cover the costs of providing these items ahead of the start of the new school year, helping to ensure that every child has the same opportunity to access and reap the benefits of education," she added.
Minister Madigan said: "By providing children with free schoolbooks, we are enhancing their educational experience not just in the classroom, but in their families and communities also. This is particularly true for our pupils in special schools and classes across the country."
