Menu
13/07/2016
Sinn Féin Urges Govt To Commit To Increase Of Back To School Allowance
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has called on the government to commit to immediately increasing the Back to School Allowance.
Mr Adams was speaking in the Dáil following the publication of a report on school costs by the Irish League of Credit Unions.
Teachta Adams said: "Most school kids have just finished their studies for the summer, and I hope they and their parents are enjoying the break. For many parents however, this time of year is one of worry and stress as they face the prospect of the challenging costs associated with children returning to school in September.
"A report released by the Irish League of Credit Unions this morning highlights starkly this reality. The report finds that it now costs almost €1,000 a year to send a child to primary school and the figure is €1,500 for secondary school students.
"The report also finds that over 80% of parents feel the costs associated with sending their kids back to school are a significant financial burden, and alarmingly, almost a third of parents find themselves in debt covering back to school costs, borrowing an average of €357.
"Some of them are turning to unscrupulous moneylenders and other short-term high cost borrowing measures in order to put the money together to provide for their children.
"One must also take into account the wider cost of living crisis that is crippling families - in rising rents, mortgages, insurance costs, property tax and childcare, amongst others.
"Citizens - parents and children alike - deserve better. Yet, the Back to School Allowance has been cut in by half since 2011.
"The Government could and should take some positive steps right now and the State can afford them, including increasing the annual Back to School Allowance by €50, at a total cost of €15 million.
"The current rates of payment under the Allowance do not cover the actual cost of sending children to school and the Government should commit to increasing it without delay, by way of a supplementary payment in the coming months if needs be."
(MH/CD)
Mr Adams was speaking in the Dáil following the publication of a report on school costs by the Irish League of Credit Unions.
Teachta Adams said: "Most school kids have just finished their studies for the summer, and I hope they and their parents are enjoying the break. For many parents however, this time of year is one of worry and stress as they face the prospect of the challenging costs associated with children returning to school in September.
"A report released by the Irish League of Credit Unions this morning highlights starkly this reality. The report finds that it now costs almost €1,000 a year to send a child to primary school and the figure is €1,500 for secondary school students.
"The report also finds that over 80% of parents feel the costs associated with sending their kids back to school are a significant financial burden, and alarmingly, almost a third of parents find themselves in debt covering back to school costs, borrowing an average of €357.
"Some of them are turning to unscrupulous moneylenders and other short-term high cost borrowing measures in order to put the money together to provide for their children.
"One must also take into account the wider cost of living crisis that is crippling families - in rising rents, mortgages, insurance costs, property tax and childcare, amongst others.
"Citizens - parents and children alike - deserve better. Yet, the Back to School Allowance has been cut in by half since 2011.
"The Government could and should take some positive steps right now and the State can afford them, including increasing the annual Back to School Allowance by €50, at a total cost of €15 million.
"The current rates of payment under the Allowance do not cover the actual cost of sending children to school and the Government should commit to increasing it without delay, by way of a supplementary payment in the coming months if needs be."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 August 2015
Minor Works Scheme Failure Raising Parents Back-To-School Costs - FF
The government's failure to commit to a Minor Works Scheme for schools is resulting in higher back-to-school costs for parents, Fianna Fáil has claimed. According to the party's Education Spokesperson Charlie McConalogue, schools are being forced to increase the voluntary contributions asked of parents in order to just keep the school running.
Minor Works Scheme Failure Raising Parents Back-To-School Costs - FF
The government's failure to commit to a Minor Works Scheme for schools is resulting in higher back-to-school costs for parents, Fianna Fáil has claimed. According to the party's Education Spokesperson Charlie McConalogue, schools are being forced to increase the voluntary contributions asked of parents in order to just keep the school running.
08 July 2015
Call For Govt To Help Parents With Back-To-School Costs
The government is being urged to help parents after a survey revealed "unacceptably" high rates of back-to-school costs. The results of the survey, carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions, have been described as "shocking". Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O'Brien the burden is getting too much for parents.
Call For Govt To Help Parents With Back-To-School Costs
The government is being urged to help parents after a survey revealed "unacceptably" high rates of back-to-school costs. The results of the survey, carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions, have been described as "shocking". Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O'Brien the burden is getting too much for parents.
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.
06 December 2016
Tackling Back To School Costs Must Be Priority In New Legislation
Tackling back to school costs must be a key element of the new Student and Parents Charter, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Skills, Teachta Carol Nolan.
Tackling Back To School Costs Must Be Priority In New Legislation
Tackling back to school costs must be a key element of the new Student and Parents Charter, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Skills, Teachta Carol Nolan.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with some patchy rain, this turning heavier for a time across the north and west. Fresh to strong westerly winds, easing later. Mild. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Any rain clearing north with a dry evening, further rain will move south in the early hours, turning showery later in the night, remaining mild. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
