In the next few days, numerous Irish households will be filled with the hustle and bustle of preparing for the new school year, causing many parents to worry about balancing their budgets once the expenses of uniforms, school supplies, sports gear, extracurricular activities, the so-called optional donations, and more, are settled.
Recent studies by Barnardos, a children’s charity, indicate that roughly three-quarters of parents with children at secondary schools and half of primary school parents are apprehensive about managing these expenses. This data resonates with a previous study by the Irish League of Credit Unions, which estimates this year’s expenditure for back-to-school to be €1,086 and €1,401 per child for primary and secondary schools respectively.
While the relief efforts by the Government over the past two years, most notably providing free books to primary school students and free hot meals across many schools are commendable, it’s equally crucial to recognise the need for more measures. This is especially relevant if the government is to uphold the promise of free education for every Irish child that was made almost 60 years ago by the then Education Minister Donogh O’Malley.
Imperative measures, such as introducing compulsory book rental programs in all secondary schools urgently and requiring schools that mandate uniforms to switch to affordable generic versions rather than expensive custom-made items are necessary. These changes could save parents hundreds of euros annually.
Moreover, voluntary contributions pose an issue, as approximately 80% of schools request donations, often exceeding €100, which, according to most parents doesn’t feel optional.
It might be easy to criticise schools for resorting to requests for parental funds, but it’s important to remember that many schools have little choice and require the funds for basic needs such as keeping the lights on. An increase in capitation rates could be a budgeting solution to reduce the reliance on parents’ contributions for essential school expenses.