"Families in Kildare need urgent help with unaffordable back-to-school costs"

Kildare South Sinn Féin TD Patricia Ryan speaking in the Dáil yesterday

placeholder image — Kildare South Sinn Féin TD Patricia Ryan speaking in the Dáil yesterday

Following the publication of the results of a survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions about the financial pressures parents are facing over their children’s education, Sinn Féin TD Patricia Ryan for South Kildare has called on the government to do more to support families in South Kildare who are struggling with back-to-school costs.

Deputy Ryan comments follow the publication of the results of a survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions about the financial pressures parents are facing over their children’s education.

Deputy Ryan said, “Back-to-school costs are putting huge pressure on families across [constituency]. School transport, books, uniforms and voluntary contributions can add up to hundreds or even thousands of Euros for families.

“These costs are unaffordable and this is particularly the case as families face the cost of living crisis. Every day, parents in South Kildare have shared their concerns with me about meeting these costs. This survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions highlights the huge pressures families are under here in Kildare and across the state.

“The results find that a third of families are unable to buy new shoes for their children when they go back to school in September. The figures also show that 72 per cent of parents are finding back to school costs to be a financial burden this year compared to 66 per cent in 2022.

“Families in Kildare need a break from back-to-school costs now. Government must act to ensure that families get this support urgently, as September is approaching quickly."

Deputy Ryan added that Sinn Féin have a plan to cut back-to-school costs and to end this financial pressure on families. Deputy Ryan laid out that her party would introduce affordable school uniforms, expand the school transport scheme, ensure every child has access to a hot meal in school and stop families being pressured into paying voluntary contributions.

She concluded, “Sinn Féin would ensure families get a break from back-to-school costs now. This would help families in Kildare by ensuring that they get the support they need.”