Almost half of parents say the recent rise in the cost of living has made it much more difficult to meet back-to-school expenses.
A study from children's charity Barnardos has found 69 per cent of primary school parents and three in four secondary school parents are worried about meeting costs this year.
It found the average cost of the basics needed for a fourth-class pupil is €424; a first-year pupil is €814 and a fifth-year pupil is €722 .
The organisation is calling on the government to implement a number of changes in Budget 2023;
- Provide free schoolbooks to all children
- Ensure all schools have an option of an affordable uniform
- Maintain back-to-school allowance increase
- End voluntary contributions
Sarah is a mother of four and says everyone she knows is facing the same struggles this September;
"We're told we have a free education in this country, we don't have a free education in this country. Has it added stress to my summer? Yes it has and it's not just mine from talking to other mams. Everybody is in the same boat. Everybody is starting to panic."
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