Charity boss concerned at expenses incurred
The cost of education can quickly add up.
CEO of children's charity Barnardos, Fergus Finlay, has expressed concerns at the rising costs of education for parents struggling in the recession. He said that figures from a recent Consumer Price Index show that although overall prices were lower by 1.1 per cent compared to May 2009, the cost of education saw a yearly increase of 9.1 per cent.
'This is clearly a worrying trend. Despite the extreme financial pressures facing families with children, the costs associated with sending children to school have actually risen. It is imperative that the Government take this into account when considering the upcoming budget. Families who are dependent on social welfare or low incomes absolutely cannot afford any cuts to their income or to supports for their children's education. Children's futures cannot be sacrificed to the recession.
'In recessionary times, it is perhaps even more important that we look to the education of our future generations. We cannot build a knowledge economy unless we provide equality of access and outcomes to our children.'
'There can be no excuse for failing to look at the ongoing cost issues associated with education in Ireland and finding real solutions to ensure children are given the opportunities to learn and reach their potential fully.'
Norah Gibbons, Barnardos' Directory of Advocacy, said, 'There is a huge gap between the amount parents have to pay out and the support payments provided. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is designed as a support for school uniforms and shoes, but it does not in any way support parents with the other big cost of education: school books. This is a serious gap in support provision for many parents.' Ms. Gibbons welcomed recent changes to the School Book Grant Scheme, which will now be provided to schools based on the numbers of pupils in a school rather than application by principals based on the number of students they considered in need of financial support for books. The distribution of the funds continues to be at the discretion of the principal, although the establishment of school book rental schemes is being strongly encouraged.
