Parents of primary level pupils are set to benefit from free schoolbooks for the first time ahead of the new academic year.
Many, however, still find themselves under considerable financial pressure to pay high uniform costs, large sums for digital devices, charges for art material and photocopying, and “voluntary” contributions, which often don’t feel very voluntary at all.
Schools say they are forced to seek payments from parents because State funding does not cover day-to-day expenses. The Government argues that there is no compulsion on parents to pay voluntary contributions, and this is protected in law.
[ Parents pay €28m in ‘voluntary contributions’ to plug gaps in school financesOpens in new window ]
We are looking to hear from readers on how much you are paying in back-to-school costs.
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Do you have requests from your school for voluntary contributions? Do you feel under pressure to pay them? Are there separate charges for classroom material? How high are uniform costs? Is your child’s school seeking payment for digital devices?
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