I was on RTE Drivetime talking about how the Free schoolbook scheme has had unintended consequences. It was a pre-record that was played on the show. They played about 1-2 minutes of my interview where I talked about how the scheme works and how I was sad that it has meant that other businesses have suffered. I also said I don’t really see any way back.

My favourite like of my interview (that wasn’t aired) was “Every time an independent bookshop closes, I curse Norma Foley.” I can see why they cut it out!

I’m not a fan of the scheme. We’ve spent the last 20 years trying to move away from schoolbooks and this has brought us back. I guess taking €80 off the parents’ school “fee” at the start of the year is a good thing but I imagine the prices for books will increase as a result.
📌 https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0116/1491143-bookshop-closures/ (Link in bio)