Parents should be aware that a scheme is available for students in state primary and post-primary schools to help with the cost of school books.

The scheme is mainly aimed at pupils from low-income families and families experiencing financial hardship.

Funding for this scheme comes from the Department of Education and Science and the scheme is administered in each school by the school principal.

Students that may be eligible for assistance include those from families mainly dependent on social welfare payments; families on low incomes and in receipt of Family Income Supplement and beneficiaries under the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and families experiencing financial hardship because of unfortunate circumstances such as a parent/guardian who is ill or experiencing addiction problems.

It is up to the school principal to decide which students are most in need and the amount and form of assistance given to eligible pupils is a matter for individual schools subject to the terms of the scheme.

Further information about the operation of the scheme in your child's school is available from the school principal and applications would be made directly to them.

Parents can also avail of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and information is available from their local HSE office between now and the end of September.

The fund provides payments for back to school costs and parents receive €200 for each eligible child aged between two and 11 years of age and €305 for each child aged between 12 and 22 years.

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is available to people who are in receipt of certain social welfare and HSE payments, as well as those people on low incomes who are receiving Family Income Supplement or who are taking part in approved employment schemes or training courses.