“Urgent” help needed to help families with back-to-school costs says TD

Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has called on the government to do more to support families in Dublin struggling with back-to-school costs.

His comments follow the publication of the results of a survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions about the financial pressures parents are facing over their children’s education.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said “back-to-school costs are putting huge pressure on families across Dublin Mid-West. School transport, books, uniforms and voluntary contributions can add up to hundreds or even thousands of Euros for families.”

“These costs are unaffordable and this is particularly the case as families face the cost of living crisis. Every day, parents in Dublin Mid-West have shared their concerns with me about meeting these costs.”

Ward’s comments follow comments by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore who has called for schoolbook costs for secondary school to be reduced.

“This survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions highlights the huge pressures families are under here in Dublin and across the state.”

“The results find that a third of families are unable to buy new shoes for their children when they go back to school in September. The figures also show that 72% of parents are finding back to school costs to be a financial burden this year compared to 66% in 2022.”

“Families in Dublin need a break from back-to-school costs now. Government must act to ensure that families get this support urgently, as September is approaching quickly.

Deputy Ward outlined how his party would tackle the issue, saying “we would introduce affordable school uniforms, expand the school transport scheme, ensure every child has access to a hot meal in school, and stop families being pressured into paying voluntary contributions.”

“Sinn Féin would ensure families get a break from back-to-school costs now – this would help families in Dublin by ensuring that they get the support they need,” he added.