The Department gives schools funding to provide assistance with the cost of books. You can find information on the scheme in Circular 0046/2013 Allocation to schools for books.
This scheme covers children from families where there is genuine hardship because of unemployment, prolonged illness of a parent, large family size, single parenthood or problems such as alcohol or drug abuse.
You may also apply to your local HSE Community Welfare Officer for an Exceptional Needs Payment to cover the cost of school books and school uniforms. You can get contact details on the HSE website - www.HSE.ie
Most schools now operate a book rental scheme to help parents with the costs of school books.