The Labour Party has proposed a series of measures to tackle what it calls the "myth" of free education for students growing up in low- and middle-income families.
According to a Labour survey, the average back-to-school cost for a secondary school pupil is €1,020. Labour spokesperson on education and science Ms Jan O'Sullivan said the "exorbitant" costs "impose immense financial hardship on many low and middle income families."
She called for major increases in funding for primary and secondary students as well as an overhaul of the management of those funds.
Labour spokesperson on education and science Ms Jan O'Sullivan
The proposals include an increase in the rate of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, increased funding for the Schoolbook rental scheme, an expanded School Meals scheme and an end to voluntary contributions from parents to schools.
The survey also showed many parents were unaware that State support was already available. Labour argued that information on schemes and allowances was scattered across too many departments and agencies and should be centralised in the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Labour set its proposals forward today in a document entitled "Back to School: The Financial Burden on Families."
Under the current Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCF), primary school children receive €80 and secondary school children receive €150. Those rates "are hugely inadequate to meet the costs of uniforms and other clothing," according to the document, and should increase to €180 and €250, respectively.
In addition, income limits for the BTSCF should be increased in line with those for the Family Income Supplement, the document proposes, and each child starting secondary school should receive a special grant of €385.
Labour also wants uniforms to be simplified. School crests or special sportswear mean parents must often shop at a specific retailer and pay higher costs, according to the report.
Because parents in the State must also absorb the cost of textbooks that become obsolete quickly, Labour has also proposed increased funding for the School Books Rental programme and a review of the Aid for School Books Grant.
Labour slated the Government for the persistence of voluntary contributions. "This is symptomatic of the under-funding from central Government for school buildings. If schools were adequately resourced, such contributions would not be necessary," said Deputy O'Sullivan.
Parents pay roughly €120 per year for secondary students and €70 per year for primary students, according to the document. Labour called this costs "discriminatory" and should not be required.
Labour also proposed that the School Meals scheme be extended to more schools and that the quality and nutrition of school meals be improved.