Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, has said much more must be done to ensure that back-to-school costs are affordable for families.

A report published by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) today, found that 62% of parents have said back to school costs are a financial burden.

According to the survey results, parents are now spending €1,401 per secondary school child, an increase of €113 compared to last year.

Teachta Clarke said:

“Back-to-school costs are far too high and placing a huge financial pressure on families. Much more must be done to ensure that costs are affordable.

“Between the price of devices, uniforms and voluntary contributions, families are struggling to keep up with costs especially where they have several children of school age.

“Sinn Féin have brought forward plans time and again, setting out how we would cut costs for families. This includes legislation to ban schools from putting pressure on families to pay so-called ‘voluntary contributions’. This also includes how we would cut book costs and travel costs.

“Teachers and principals don’t want to be in the position of asking for these contributions. It’s time for government to fund schools properly in the first place.

“Government should listen to Sinn Féin’s plans and act on our solutions, so that families can start to feel these positive changes straight away. We can work together to cut costs for families and ensure they get a much-needed break from these unaffordable prices.”