COMMENT: Whatever happened to free education?

WHILE it was only a few weeks ago, it somehow seems like an eternity since our children said farewell to another school term and the entire summer stretched out before them.

If you’ve already responded to the daily chorus of “I’m bored” or “what are we doing today?” by sending your little darlings off packing to expensive summer camps, you might want to think again before parting with your cash. 

Last week, the Irish League of Credit Unions gave the parents of the nation a reality check when it published its latest back-to-school costs for 2016. If you haven’t already seen the eye-watering figures, you might want to sit down before reading this.

School associated costs have increased year on year since 2012, with the overall spend for primary pupils now averaging €967 annually per child. Not surprisingly, the spend per secondary school students is even higher at €1,474 per child.

The survey found that back-to-school spending negatively impacts 26 per cent of bill payments, with 13 per cent of parents saying they will have to sacrifice on food to cover these costs.

The main costs are the old reliables such as uniforms – €145 per primary school child and €234 per secondary school student. This year, 60 per cent of parents say they will shop online for back-to-school items – up significantly from 47 per cent last year.

When you add in lunches, art materials, school tours, transport and extra-curricular activities, you quickly see where the rising costs are occurring. Then, of course, there’s the so-called voluntary contribution, where parents are expected to pick up the State funding shortfall which makes something of a mockery of the notion of free education.

 The credit union survey found that 79 per cent of parents expect to make a voluntary contribution to a school, averaging €118 per child.

Many parents find themselves in debt to cover school costs, with 31 per cent borrowing an average of €357. And despite all the talk about the Government helping low-income families, the survey revealed that only 14 per cent of parents eligible for back-to-school allowance believe the payment is sufficient to cover costs.

The majority of parents will always prioritise their children’s education and wellbeing but this can create financial pressure points in other aspects of their daily lives. Another reason, perhaps, why property tax, USC and water charges were too bitter a pill to swallow.