Back-to-school costs hitting Louth parents hard with uniforms one of the biggest burdens
Back-to-school season is well underway, and with school costs continuing to rise, parents are increasingly facing an anxiety-inducing end to summer. According to a recent survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions, one in three parents are now taking out loans to make ends meet, while children's welfare charity Barnardos found that many are regularly dipping into savings and sacrificing elsewhere just to ensure their children have what they need for the new school year.
Nationwide data paints a troubling picture: average back-to-school costs now stand at €1,450 for primary school children and €1,560 for secondary school students, a year-on-year rise of approximately €350. With one in three families dipping into debt to make ends meet, the financial strain is real—so real that Labour has demanded a €100 increase in the clothing and footwear allowance and universal access to it, along with a raft of other measures including free school transport and the abolition of exam fees.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) recently advised schools to avoid tying parents to specific branded uniform retailers. They urged the adoption of generic uniform options and competitive supply arrangements to help lower costs and increase choice.
Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú (Sinn Féin), TD for Louth, echoed these concerns, urging national policymakers to curb the escalating financial burden. 'Many families are under immense pressure when it comes to back-to-school expenses,' he stated, calling for generic uniforms, free schoolbooks, and an end to 'voluntary contributions', all backed by increased core funding for schools.
For Louth's parents, the return to school means more than buying uniforms, it's about managing budgets, exploring aid options, and hoping the system responds. With political pressure mounting and watchdogs urging change, there's growing momentum for a fairer approach to education costs.
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Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Back-to-school costs hitting Louth parents hard with uniforms one of the biggest burdens
While there's financial relief on offer through the national Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, intended to ease the load, it doesn't stretch nearly far enough. In 2025, families of children aged 4–11 receive €160, and those with secondary-level students aged 12 and over receive €285. Deputy Paula Butterly (FG) has confirmed that nearly 4,695 families in Louth will qualify for the scheme, with the bulk of payments being made automatically during the week beginning July 14. But few parents believe this goes far enough. Back-to-school season is well underway, and with school costs continuing to rise, parents are increasingly facing an anxiety-inducing end to summer. According to a recent survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions, one in three parents are now taking out loans to make ends meet, while children's welfare charity Barnardos found that many are regularly dipping into savings and sacrificing elsewhere just to ensure their children have what they need for the new school year. Nationwide data paints a troubling picture: average back-to-school costs now stand at €1,450 for primary school children and €1,560 for secondary school students, a year-on-year rise of approximately €350. With one in three families dipping into debt to make ends meet, the financial strain is real—so real that Labour has demanded a €100 increase in the clothing and footwear allowance and universal access to it, along with a raft of other measures including free school transport and the abolition of exam fees. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) recently advised schools to avoid tying parents to specific branded uniform retailers. They urged the adoption of generic uniform options and competitive supply arrangements to help lower costs and increase choice. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú (Sinn Féin), TD for Louth, echoed these concerns, urging national policymakers to curb the escalating financial burden. 'Many families are under immense pressure when it comes to back-to-school expenses,' he stated, calling for generic uniforms, free schoolbooks, and an end to 'voluntary contributions', all backed by increased core funding for schools. For Louth's parents, the return to school means more than buying uniforms, it's about managing budgets, exploring aid options, and hoping the system responds. With political pressure mounting and watchdogs urging change, there's growing momentum for a fairer approach to education costs.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Back to school should be time of hope, not more financial pressure – we must lose hidden cost of kids' ‘free' education
Parents discussed cutting back on essentials or leaving utility bills unpaid to meet costs SUNDAY ISSUE Back to school should be time of hope, not more financial pressure – we must lose hidden cost of kids' 'free' education A NEW report this week revealed how parents are going into debt ahead of the return to school. A study from children's charity Barnardos found 27 per cent of secondary school parents have turned to rainy day funds to meet costs. 3 Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said that 'no parent should face financial pressure' Credit: Barnardos 3 And the average cost of sending a child back to school can range from €424 to more than €970 Credit: Getty A further 14 per cent of those with primary school kids used savings out of desperation. Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said: 'No parent should face stress and financial pressure to ensure their child has all they need to start.' Parents discussed cutting back on essentials or leaving utility bills unpaid to meet costs. The report found half of primary and 60 per cent of secondary parents are worried about meeting expenses this year. Today, the Social Democrats' education spokesperson Jen Cummins says the Government must remove the hidden costs of sending our children to school. AUGUST brings with it a mix of anticipation and reality for families across Ireland. There's a special kind of energy in the air, the smell of new books, the sharp corners of fresh copies, the excitement of meeting friends and teachers again. As a mother of four children, I know this season well. I know the thrill of a new school year, and I know the struggle it brings too — the shoes that don't fit, the routines that haven't settled, the lunch boxes packed in a half-asleep daze. Back-to-school season should be one of hope, but for far too many families, it's a time of stress and financial pressure — and that isn't right. Martin vows to do 'everything we can' to reduce pressure on families ahead of Budget 2026 According to Barnardos, the average cost of sending a child back to school can range from €424 for a child in Senior Infants to more than €970 for a child starting secondary school. These figures are staggering — what's worse is that these are not costs for extras, they are for essentials: uniforms, books, lunches, transport. Things every child should have access to, without question. IMPOSSIBLE CHOICES It's unacceptable that so many parents are forced to make impossible choices just to get their children through the school gates in September — what message does that send to our children? That education is a privilege, not a right? That some children will start on the back foot through no fault of their own? My doctoral research explored why young people disengage from school. And what I found, through conversations with those who left the system early, was that many were not failed by their own abilities, but were failed by the system. They were failed by schools that didn't recognise trauma, by services that didn't intervene early enough and by policies that failed to protect the most vulnerable. Going back to school should be a fresh start for every child — it should mean inclusion, safety and opportunity. For some, the school day may be the only time they have structure, a meal or a reliable adult presence, and that means we need to do better. We need to fully fund school equipment, such as tablets — no child should be without the materials they need to learn. We must remove the so-called 'voluntary' school contributions and expand access to free school meals and transport. These are not radical ideas, they are common sense. They are the basics. We also need trauma-informed schools that recognise and respond appropriately to each child and their unique set of circumstances — that was a key takeaway from my research. The reasons young people disengage from school are layered and complex, so we need systems that are responsive and compassionate. For families, September brings pressures, such as juggling childcare, work, after-school activities and homework. HIDDEN COSTS It's a heavy mental load, especially for parents trying to hold everything together on tight margins. We need policies that reflect this reality, with flexibility, support and an understanding that the home-school relationship must be built on partnership, not pressure. The cost-of-living crisis has presented families with financial challenges on all fronts, from housing costs to grocery bills. An education system that is meant to be free should not be adding to that pressure. The Government must get real about removing the hidden costs of sending our children to school to get the education they have every right to — without incurring costs that could land their household in financial difficulties. Education is about more than grades, it's about giving children a place where they feel seen, valued and safe. It's about creating the conditions for learning — not just academically, but socially and emotionally, too. When we get that right, we lay the foundations for a fairer, stronger and more compassionate society — because every child deserves to walk through the school gates with pride and with possibility.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Urgent' €100 social welfare hike alert on €160 or €285 cash for EVERY Irish parent amid pre-Budget 2026 €1.4k cost fury
Labour has also called on the Government to permanently abolish exam fees and make school transport free CHALKED UP 'Urgent' €100 social welfare hike alert on €160 or €285 cash for EVERY Irish parent amid pre-Budget 2026 €1.4k cost fury BUDGET 2026 should increase the €160 or €285 Back to School Allowance by €100 and make it available to EVERY parent, it has been demanded. The Labour party has called for "urgent Government action" on spiralling back-to-school costs that are setting parents back an eye-watering €1,450 or €1,560 per child. Advertisement Education Spokesperson Eoghan Kenny said: "Parents are doing everything they can to give their children the best start in life, but they are being failed by a system that continues to demand voluntary fees, charge for uniforms and exam papers, and now increasingly requires expensive digital devices like tablets and iPads. "This is not free education." Shock new data from the Irish League of Credit Unions revealed that parents are now spending over €1,450 per primary pupil and €1,560 for those in secondary school. And one in three families are being forced into debt to cope with the financial burden. Advertisement Labour has called on the Government to make the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance universal and restore the full €100 increase. The means tested payment, received by over 236k families so far this year, is currently €160 for children aged 4-11 years and €285 for kids between 12-22 years. Labour has also called on the Government to "permanently abolish" exam fees and "make school transport free for all" with a €27m investment. The party has also demanded a ban on voluntary contributions and called for a 20 per cent increase of capitation grants. Advertisement Labour TD's have also requested that Home Economics students get the same ingredient support that exists for the Woodwork and Metalwork subjects. Irish parents rushing to Dunnes Stores as back-to-school range hits shelves – with prices from €5 Deputy Kenny said: "It is absolutely unacceptable that 35 per cent of parents say they have had to deny their child at least one essential item. "This isn't just about cost—it's about fairness and dignity for children. "No child should be left behind because their family can't afford the basics. Advertisement 'There are clear actions the Government must take. Labour has a clear vision to reduce these costs." NEW BSCFA RULES Foster carers are the latest group to qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment under the new rules. However, Labour has demanded for the cash to be handed out to every single parent in Ireland as the school year approaches. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary last year confirmed that the BSCFA will not cover extra costs parents face ahead of the school year. Advertisement When asked by Sinn Fein TD Louise O'Reilly if he is aware that many parents rely on back to school payments for help to pay for iPads or other devices used in the classroom, he confirmed the allowance only covers clothing and footwear. 'IT'S TIME TO ACT' But the Fianna Fail TD said parents may be eligible to apply for other social welfare payments. Calleary said: "Applications for financial support which fall outside the rules and timeframe of the scheme may be considered for an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service." Advertisement Kenny said Labour's proposals for a €100 increase and universal BSCFA allowance, a ban on voluntary contributions and exam fees and free school transport are "practical, costed and achievable". He said: "The Government can't keep ignoring the pressure families are under. It's time to act. "I'm calling on the Minister for Education and the Minister for Finance to include these measures in Budget 2026 and finally deliver fairness for families." 1 Parents are now spending over €1,450 per primary pupil and €1,560 for those in secondary school Credit: Getty Images - Getty
