Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, has launched the party’s proposals to cut back-to-school costs and ensure families get a much-needed break.

The proposals would cut the cost of uniforms, devices and books, while ensuring schools are adequately funded and ending pressure on families to pay ‘voluntary’ contributions.

The fully costed plan sets out what a Sinn Féin government would deliver.

Teachta Clarke said:

“Back-to-school costs are far too high and many families are under real financial pressure trying to cover the price of uniforms, digital devices, books, voluntary contributions. Families are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and need a break from these spiralling costs.

“Sinn Féin are today launching our solutions setting out how we would cut back-to-school costs for families. This includes cutting the cost of uniforms, devices, books, and ending the scandal of families feeling pressure to pay ‘voluntary’ contributions.

“Our plan would make a real difference for families and I am urging government to act on these solutions without delay.

“At the root of this problem, is the fact that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael continue to fail to properly fund our schools. Shockingly this year they cut the Book Grant to Primary Schools. Lack of funding has created unnecessary pressure on families to pay ‘voluntary’ contributions to plug the gap left by government underfunding.

“Our education system can no longer be propped up by already overstretched families. Sinn Féin’s plan sets out how we would deliver on 5 key solutions to make education affordable.

“Sinn Féin’s 5 Point Plan to Make Education Affordable includes:
– Enact Sinn Féin’s Affordable Uniform Bill, to cut uniform costs
– Establish a Digital Device Rental Scheme, so families aren’t forced to fork out huge sums for devices
– Ban voluntary contributions and adequately fund schools, to end unfair pressure on families
– Reverse cuts to the primary ‘School Books’ grant
– Extend free school books Grant scheme to senior cycle in secondary schools

“Sinn Féin’s plan would make a real difference in the lives of families across the state. I am urging government to listen and to act on Sinn Féin’s solutions.”