27/08/2013
Sinn Féin Call On Govt To Offer Free Schoolbooks Scheme
The government have been urged to create a free schoolbook loan scheme in an effort to ease the financial burden on families preparing for their children's return to school.
Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD, made the call saying that it was time the government "recognised the hardship that buying schoolbooks is causing."
Mr Doherty added: "We are advocating state provision of books, to be loaned to students, returned at the end of the school year and passed on. Sinn Féin estimates that this could be achieved at a cost of €45 million in the first year, which would decrease after the initial period.
"A Barnardo's survey in July 2012 found that the average cost of sending a 12-year-old child to secondary school was €770 and a six-year-old to senior infants €355.
"Minister Quinn knows these figures and it is time he took action on this annual hardship for families."
(MH/JP)
Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD, made the call saying that it was time the government "recognised the hardship that buying schoolbooks is causing."
Mr Doherty added: "We are advocating state provision of books, to be loaned to students, returned at the end of the school year and passed on. Sinn Féin estimates that this could be achieved at a cost of €45 million in the first year, which would decrease after the initial period.
"A Barnardo's survey in July 2012 found that the average cost of sending a 12-year-old child to secondary school was €770 and a six-year-old to senior infants €355.
"Minister Quinn knows these figures and it is time he took action on this annual hardship for families."
(MH/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 August 2019
Govt Urged To Tackle Back To School Costs
The Government is under pressure to relieve the cost of sending children back to school as the amount of families struggling to cover the expense rises. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul reported a 4% increase in requests this year from families unable to meet the costs.
Govt Urged To Tackle Back To School Costs
The Government is under pressure to relieve the cost of sending children back to school as the amount of families struggling to cover the expense rises. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul reported a 4% increase in requests this year from families unable to meet the costs.
13 August 2019
Labour Propose Plan To Tackle Back To School Costs
Labour have launched their party proposal to tackle back to school costs, accusing the government of not doing enough to address the burden being faced by parents and guardians. Making the call Labour Party Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, said: "We know that parents are under pressure to ensure children are ready to head back to school.
Labour Propose Plan To Tackle Back To School Costs
Labour have launched their party proposal to tackle back to school costs, accusing the government of not doing enough to address the burden being faced by parents and guardians. Making the call Labour Party Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, said: "We know that parents are under pressure to ensure children are ready to head back to school.
04 June 2013
State Exam Fee Exemptions Rises
The number of Leaving and Junior Certificate students whose exam fees have been waived has increased significantly, RTÉ have reported. A fee of more than €100 is meant to be paid by those sitting State exams, with exceptions made for families experiencing financial hardship.
State Exam Fee Exemptions Rises
The number of Leaving and Junior Certificate students whose exam fees have been waived has increased significantly, RTÉ have reported. A fee of more than €100 is meant to be paid by those sitting State exams, with exceptions made for families experiencing financial hardship.
05 September 2019
25% Of Pupils With Disabilities On Short School Days
One in four children with disabilities in Ireland are missing classes and opportunities to socialise with other children as they are on short school days, a new report has found.
25% Of Pupils With Disabilities On Short School Days
One in four children with disabilities in Ireland are missing classes and opportunities to socialise with other children as they are on short school days, a new report has found.
08 March 2013
Summercove National School Removed From Priority List
Fianna Fáil Senator Denis O'Donovan has slammed the Education Minister for removing Summercove National School from the priority list for a new school building despite the fact it has been on this list for 12 years. Senator O'Donovan commented: "Summercove National School has been on a priority list for a new school building for 12 years.
Summercove National School Removed From Priority List
Fianna Fáil Senator Denis O'Donovan has slammed the Education Minister for removing Summercove National School from the priority list for a new school building despite the fact it has been on this list for 12 years. Senator O'Donovan commented: "Summercove National School has been on a priority list for a new school building for 12 years.