SVP says parents still struggling with school costs despite free books scheme

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has revealed it has already received almost 3,500 calls for help with back-to-school costs this year, as families across Dublin and beyond struggle with expenses that go far beyond the price of textbooks.

Parents have sought support with uniforms, so-called “voluntary” contributions, school administration fees, electronic devices, mock exam charges and Transition Year costs.

SVP reported a sharp 26% reduction in calls between 2023 and 2024 when the Government’s free school books scheme was first introduced for primary and post-primary pupils.

But this year, with the scheme extended to senior cycle students, the charity has recorded only a marginal 3% decrease in calls, highlighting what it describes as the “hidden costs” of Irish education.

“While free books are a welcome step, the reality is that education in Ireland is still far from free,” said Niamh Dalziel, Research & Policy Officer with SVP.

“Parents are cutting back on essentials or going into debt to meet school costs. Chronic underfunding forces schools to rely on families, creating a system that is deeply unequal.”

SVP is now calling on the Government to tackle these funding gaps in Budget 2026, warning that families cannot continue to shoulder the burden.

Its proposals include scrapping mock exam and correction fees, providing funding support for electronic devices where they are mandatory, and increasing the capitation grant to schools by 25%, rising to 30% for those that follow Department of Education guidance on affordable uniforms.

“An inclusive education system removes financial barriers and stigma, and gives every child the chance to thrive,” Dalziel said.

“Budget 2026 is an opportunity to make free education in Ireland a reality.”