Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1062. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if any support can be provided to help middle income families who do not qualify for the back-to-school allowance with the cost of their children going back to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40073/22]
View answerAs Minister, I am very conscious of the pressure faced by families with respect to living costs and back to school costs.
There are a range of measures in place to reduce back to school costs and also to help families with these costs. The Department published a Circular in 2017 which sets out principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of returning to school. Under these measures, schools are required to select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from an array of retailers. Only “iron on” or “sew on” crests should be used. The Circular also sets out that schools should consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives in relation to school uniforms.
I recently announced the expansion of the DEIS programme benefitting 347 schools - 310 schools will be included in DEIS for the first time and 37 existing DEIS primary schools are being reclassified and will be eligible for increased supports. Schools in the DEIS programme are provided with additional financial support by way of a DEIS grant and an enhanced school book grant rate.
In addition to these measures, in recognition of the pressures facing families, students availing of the school transport scheme will not be charged fees for the academic year 2022/23. Furthermore all examination fees have been waived.
The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill, when enacted, will improve how schools engage with students and their parents by requiring each school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities, including school costs. This will help ensure that the various views of students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools.
