In a bid to alleviate financial burdens on families, Education Minister Norma Foley is proposing to provide over five million primary school students in Ireland with free textbooks for the upcoming academic year. The proposal, which is set to be discussed in today’s cabinet meeting, aims to extend the initiative that benefited 558,000 students last year.
Additionally, junior cycle students are slated to receive complimentary books, a move previously announced by Minister Foley. This measure marks a continued effort to support families and ensure access to essential educational resources.
In other cabinet discussions, preparations for Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the European Union in the latter half of 2026 will take center stage. Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin is expected to outline strategic objectives for the presidency, including hosting numerous EU ministerial meetings and an informal gathering of the European Council.
Moreover, plans for the construction of elective hospitals in Dublin will be deliberated. These hospitals, located at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown and the site of the current Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, will focus on addressing waiting list patients rather than emergency cases. Each facility will boast up to 25 theaters, minor operating rooms, and endoscopy suites, with similar projects underway in Cork and Galway.
The cabinet will also consider proposals to enhance safety in Dublin city center and address healthcare infrastructure needs across the country.