Budget 2025 Introduces Significant Cost-of-Living Changes for Parents

Changes from Budget 2025 are set to impact thousands of families across Ireland, with four key measures aimed at easing the cost of living for parents and students. These adjustments will come into effect starting in September 2025, and focus on education and financial support, providing notable relief for many households.

Expanded Free Schoolbooks Scheme

One of the most significant changes is the extension of the free schoolbooks scheme to all Transition Year and Senior Cycle students. According to the Department of Education, this initiative is part of a broader effort to make education more affordable. Under this scheme, parents of students in primary and special schools will no longer need to contribute towards the cost of textbooks, workbooks, and copybooks. Additionally, in post-primary schools, parents will be relieved from financial responsibility for core classroom resources, effectively reducing the financial burden on families.

Hot School Meals Programme Expansion

Another notable provision from Budget 2025 is the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme, which aims to provide nutritious meals to primary school students. By September 2025, all remaining primary schools will be eligible to participate in this initiative. This expansion is expected to include nearly 2,850 schools across the country. The Department of Social Protection confirmed that they would reach out to schools that have yet to join the programme, encouraging them to express their interest in providing hot meals.

In a related effort to promote healthier eating habits, Dara Calleary, Minister for Social Protection, announced the removal of foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt from school meal menus. This change is intended to enhance the nutritional quality of the meals served, with the transition expected to be completed by September.

Increased Student Grants and Transport Fees

Budget 2025 also includes significant adjustments to student grants. Both the Standard Rate Maintenance Grant and the Student Contribution Grant income thresholds are projected to rise by 15 percent starting in September. For example, the income threshold for the special rate of maintenance grant will increase from €26,200 to €27,400. Additionally, the postgraduate fee contribution threshold and the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme threshold will align with the new 100 percent Student Contribution threshold of €64,315.

In terms of school transport, reduced fees will continue for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Primary students will benefit from a fee of €50, while post-primary students will pay €75. Family tickets will remain at €125, ensuring that transportation costs remain manageable for families.

Overall, these changes are designed to alleviate financial pressure on parents and support students in their educational journeys. As the implementation date approaches, many families are looking forward to the relief these measures will bring, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively in a challenging economic environment.