Consultation Process Launches On Back To School Costs

Today Aodhán Ó Ríordáín TD, launched a consultation process on behalf of the Education & Social Protection Committee, on back to school costs.

The process runs from February 7th to March 15th.

He said: "There is no denying the high cost involved in sending a child to school. In fact, it can often lead to many sleepless nights for parents. Uniforms, books and indeed voluntary contributions often leave a sizable dent in parent’s pockets.

"There are however a number of things that can be done to alleviate this burden. The point of launching this consultation process today is to highlight the ways in which schools, parents and particularly their patron bodies can work together in achieving savings. At the conclusion of the process we will publish a report on our findings.

"An obvious way to make savings would be to look at the possibility of implementing a book rental scheme similar to that in Northern Ireland. This could alleviate some of the burden placed on parents and I hope to review this as part of my report. Such a move has already been recognised by the Minister for Education & Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, when he recently encouraged schools to invest in such a scheme by issuing a series of guidelines and recommendations.

"I think it is particularly important that all of the patron bodies take a lead in helping me compile this report, and review their own practices in relation to uniforms and other such costs. Patron bodies could play a very positive role in helping struggling parents by encouraging schools to review unnecessary practices."