The Irish Times view on back-to-school costs: an intolerable burden

Free education is one of the great myths of Irish life. At no level of the national education system is there a right of access without paying significant, and often very high, direct or indirect costs. For many families these costs – for school fees, uniforms, transport, books and digital tools – are a source of constant stress, but the pressure is greatest at this time of the year. Now, with the cost of living rising to unsustainable levels, the pressure is being felt even more widely than usual.

Already the Department of Social Protection has received a record number of applications for the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance, even though the closing date for applications is not until September 30th. More than 45,000 requests have been lodged for that once-off payment, which is available to means-tested families. A further 210,500 payments will be made automatically.

A survey by the charity Barnardos last month showed that the costs for a pupil in fourth class in primary school averaged €424, while the costs for a first-year student in secondary school were €814. As a result more than two-thirds of primary school parents and three-quarters of secondary parents worry about covering back-to-school costs this year. To meet those costs, many parents will use savings, use a credit card or get a loan.

The Government has taken some welcome steps to alleviate the pressure. The clothing and footwear allowance has been increased by €100 for each eligible child, and students using the school transport scheme will not be charged fees for the coming academic year. But many parents will not benefit from those measures, and almost every household will still incur significant expenses to have a child at school. Other steps that could help to bridge the gap include free school meals, free school books and more affordable uniforms.

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An education is one of the most basic rights guaranteed to children in Ireland. To make it contingent on income, or to put families under immense stress to avail of it, is to break a fundamental principle on which any republic is built.