Free School Books Scheme Reducing Presentations To Clare SVP, But Challenges Remain

Clare FM

The roll-out of the free school books scheme has reportedly led to a reduction in presentations to a prominent Clare Charity. Saint Vincent De Paul has confirmed a 6% drop in requests for help in relation to back to school costs this year, within the first term of the programme which provides free textbooks to Junior Cycle students. The news coincides with a new report from the ESRI though, which shows that one in five children nationwide are living in poverty. Clare SVP President insists the scheme should be extended to senior cycle students as well as major challenges remain.