5 days ago
Call for Government to expand eligibility for back-to-school allowance
The children's charity Barnardo's has called on Government to expand eligibility for the back-to-school allowance to help more parents meet the cost of kitting out their child for the school year.
The charity has also called for school capitation rates to be increased in order to reduce reliance on so-called 'voluntary contributions'.
So far this year, the State has made back-to-school Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments to the families of 236,560 children, but Barnardos believes more should be helped.
The allowance is €160 for most primary school children and €285 for those aged 12 and over.
Publishing a report which details how many parents worry about meeting back-to-school costs and some even consider cutting back on essentials in order to manage them, Barnardo's CEO Suzanne Connolley said: "No parent should face additional stress and financial pressure to ensure their child has all they need to start back to school."
"The Government has reduced some expenses but there is an opportunity for them and schools individually to do more to reduce costs for parents," she said.
Yesterday, the children's allowance landed and so staff at Fennessy's school uniform shop on Limerick's William St expected a busy day.
They were not disappointed.
All day, the shop was thronged with parents, with teens, children and buggies in tow.
An army of staff milled about, and in every corner it seemed there was a child struggling to pull a school jumper over their head as parents - mostly mothers - checked for size.
Siobhán McGrane spent €114 on a uniform for her daughter who is about to enter first year.
She has already spent €45 on a school jacket and €113 for a sports uniform.
That all comes to €272. "I think I have spent just close to €800 in total, which is a lot. The iPad was the most expensive part of that".
"You are looking at a budget of €500 for each child. That's including shoes, socks, shirts, bags, everything," said Aan Hagali who was in Fennessy's to kit out her daughter who is entering TY at a secondary school in the city.
Equipping a child for primary school may be somewhat cheaper than secondary but that was of little comfort to parents in Fennessy's yesterday afternoon.
After moving away for a number of years, the Bagnell family are faced with buying full new school uniforms for their two primary school age sons, Harry and Luke.
"They both need brand new uniforms so you are looking at around €300-€400 in total," said Natalie Bagness.
"At least books are free now but stationary isn't, that was another €150 recently as well.
"It all adds up. Including shoes, and my son [in 6th class] is an adult size now, I think I'll be spending between €600 to €700 in total".
"It is a lot," she added.
23% VAT charged on clothes for children over 12
Uniform providers like Fennessy's point to the 23% VAT that is charged on clothes designed to fit children aged 12 and upwards.
With this additional charge it is no surprise they say that clothing and footwear for second level students costs so much more.
Alison Glendenning had just spent €34 on a new school jumper for her daughter Ella, and €66 on new school shoes. Ella is going into second class.
"It is quite expensive. With some uniforms you are stuck, you have to buy the branded," she said.
"We are lucky that we can get the uncrested pinafore and cardigan so you can go as expensive or as cheap as you want."
"You can get navy blue track suit [pants] for about €4, but durability is an issue with them, and warmth in winter" parent Jisa Jose said.
She was buying track suit bottoms for her primary age son.
"If you want good quality clothes you will have to spend a bit more. It is expensive".
Schools offer option of uncrested uniforms
Lisa Fennessy of Fennessy's says a lot of schools in and around Limerick city now offer parents the option of crested or uncrested uniforms, meaning parents can choose to shop in a place like Fennessy's or opt for cheaper clothing from the bigger chains.
"But as you see we are still very busy. What we hear from parents is 'if you buy cheap you buy twice'. People prefer the quality here."
One controversial cost for parents is the so-called school 'voluntary contribution'.
Schools say chronic underfunding by the state leaves them with little choice but to turn to parents to try and make up the shortfall.
Information given to Barnardos by parents indicates that many primary schools are asking parents for a payment of almost €90 while the average contribution at second level comes to €133.
