One third of parents go into debt to cover back to school costs, while 12 per cent of parents in 2015 will consider using a money lender to help with the annual cost.
A survey by the Credit Union has outlined the financial pressures facing parents each September, with school bills negatively affecting household bill payments for 29 per cent of families and 16 per cent of parents saying they will have to cut costs on food spending to make up the shortfall required for school costs.
Of those 32 per cent who do borrow to cover back to school costs, the average figure borrowed is €360.
Jackie from Clondalkin in Dublin has two boys in Primary School and a girl in Secondary School.
She says she wouldn't use a money lender - but it is something she's considered:
The survey finds that uniforms and school clothing are the most expensive item, costing an average of €258 for secondary school children and €166 for primary school.
The initial costs are far from the only expense however, and throughout the year costs such as school lunches, extracurricular activities, transport costs, after school care, school trips and gym gear all adding significantly to the total outlay.
Seven in 10 parents said they are also expected to make ‘voluntary contribution’ to school averaging €112 per child, fall from €119 in 2014.
The pressure to buy branded school supplies has grown, according to parents, with 42% of parents saying they feel under pressure to buy branded school supplies, up from 39% in 2014.
Only 15% of parents eligible for back-to-school allowance believe that it is sufficient to cover back to school costs.
The impact
81 per cent of the parents of school age children say that the costs are a significant financial burden, with 70 per cent of parents saying they have had to sacrifice holidays or children’s summer camp to cover school costs.
Monthly income is still the main way parents finance the costs, although this has reduced from 46 per cent of people to 41 per cent since 2011.
In 2015 25 per cent will dip into their savings – which just 13 per cent did in 2011, while 12 per cent will use a credit card – down significantly from its 2011 figure of 17 per cent.
The survey found that while two per cent will use a money lender to cover costs – as many as 12 per cent of parents would consider this option.
Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan spoke to Newstalk Lunchtime, and was asked if schools should be keeping costs down for parents:
Finding value
Irish parents are shopping around for their back to school items, with online shopping now used by 47 per cent of parents – the survey found that saving money and finding better deals, as well as convenience, were the main reasons behind this.
On the high street, Dunnes Stores remains the most used back to school supplier, with 23 per cent of parents shopping there for their supplies.
Meanwhile Marks & Spencers and Tesco come in second and third respectively, with 17 and 14 per cent of parents saying they're the best value for back to school supplies.
