A third of families are unable to buy new shoes for their children ahead of their return to school in September.

That’s according to the Irish League of Credit Unions Back to School Tracker 2023 which also shows a significant increase in parents feeling the financial burden of children starting the next term – despite the state making schoolbooks free for primary school pupils.

And that has led Galway West Deputy Mairéad Farrell to call on Government to do more to support those families struggling with back-to-school costs.

“School transport, books, uniforms and voluntary contributions can add up to hundreds of euros for families. These costs are unaffordable in a cost-of-living crisis. Every day, parents in Galway have shared their concerns with me about meeting these costs,” she said.

“Families in Galway 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.”

The Tracker found that – with primary schoolbooks free for the new academic year – there is a slight decrease in what parents and guardians plan to spend getting their charges ready for education.

But overall cost of living increases are having a harsh impact on household income. More than one in four (29%) say they get into debt covering back to school costs.

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