Parents struggle with school bills
FINANCIAL struggles are notable for parents of schoolchildren at this time of the year, and while there are challenges across all age groups, fifth year is the worst, according to Society of St Vincent De Paul East Regional President Marie Cronin.
“First to third year is mostly the same books, transition year is not too bad, but fifth year with new laptops and books is the worst,” conceded Cronin.
“Obviously things have improved slightly, but costs have to be paid for registration fees, uniforms, photocopying, and that’s coming in very expensive. With the cost of living so large and utility bills rising, there was a time when parents could have a break, but now they can’t, it is week to week, and they are coming to us for help.”
Research last month by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) revealed 84 per cent of parents are requested to pay financial contributions to their children’s schools at an average cost of €167.
It found parents spend an average of €169 on uniforms and €99 on specific PE items.
One-in-four parents say their child is required to purchase a laptop or tablet for their schoolwork with the average cost of these devices €501 and rising to €562 for secondary schools.
Meanwhile, a more recent survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) found that nearly half of parents have cancelled or reduced non-essential service or activities to cover rising costs.
The range of bills is beyond many families, according to Ms Cronin.
“If children play sports, they need tracksuits, uniforms, specific shoes and they grow out of everything. Parents who buy cheap say they buy dearer in the end, as the lesser material tears easily and the more expensive equipment has better layers and support.”
Third level is also “very expensive” with registration fees expected to be paid “before parents receive SUSI grants.”
“Apprenticeships also require tools. If you want to train to be a chef, you need a hat, apron and a complete set of knives. Even beauty courses require expensive equipment,” said Cronin.
“We try to encourage parents to come to us, we have a bursary scheme for Trinity, Maynooth etc, but not for diplomas. Funding for that is separate, we look at it on a one-to-one basis.
“We also run grinds schemes which helped 550 students doing their Leaving Cert last year. If high achievers want a career which means they need good maths, that’s where we come in. We do that through schools. It is done on specific cases, to get them over the line,” said Marie.
The CCPC encourage schools to be upfront and transparent about voluntary contributions, letting families know as early as possible.
They also encourage parents to know the costs as early as possible and not to take on debts.
Once the back-to-school rush has passed, Cronin and SVDP will be onto the next crisis for many families – winter fuel bills.
“Some parents are looking at turning the heat off, and electricity bills can be huge so we will support where we can,” she said.
