I thank Deputy Kenny for bringing forward this motion. As a parent, I have seen the costs relating to sending children to school skyrocket over the past ten years. The situation is absolutely out of control. The recent back-to-school survey carried out by the Irish League Of Credit Unions shows that 59% of parents find covering back-to-school costs a major financial burden, with more than one in four getting into debt. I would say that number is rising now in view of the cost-of-living crisis. Technology is emerging as a pressure point, but uniforms remain the main pressure point. Some 15% of parents have had to avail of second-hand uniforms, while 43% of the lower cost options such as supermarket alternatives are not available due to the fact that more schools are introducing expensive branded items such as bags, coats and PE gear. Uniforms are supposed to represent equality, but they have become another financial burden on families who are already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis that has been going on for a very long time. Families are being squeezed from every angle, but particularly in Donegal where families, already living with a burden of defective concrete, are being forced to face additional hidden costs as a result of situations they had no part in causing. I refer, for example, to additional travel costs in circumstances where families are often forced to leave their crumbling homes and move to completely different areas while their children have to travel back to their own communities to attend school. Commuting costs are adding to the burden people must bear and to the pressure on family life, particularly in Donegal. Those who were previously on particular school bus routes no longer have the option of using those routes. As a result, parents are forced to engage in long commutes and to cover the costs incurred in this regard. I welcome the motion. However, in the context of the funding model for schools, including DEIS schools, I see examples of instances where schools are struggling. We need to improve this down the line. Families are struggling and their needs are not being met.

Sentiment score: -0.29