![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2.38629621.jpg\")
Sinn F\u00e9in is to launch a raft of Back To School proposals in order to help parents cut costs.<\/p>\nSinn F\u00e9in is to launch a raft of Back To School proposals in order to help parents cut costs.<\/p>\n
The document, to be launched tomorrow by TD Donnchadh \u00d3 Laoghaire, takes on a number of key areas in the education system, after a recent Oireachtas Committee report called on the government to do more to lessen unnecessary stress to parents and families.<\/p>\n
A survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions this year found that 78% of parents were struggling financially with Back To School costs, up on 68% the previous year.<\/p>\n
Almost three-quarters of those surveyed said schools are not doing enough to keep costs down.<\/p>\n
Parents are spending an average of \u20ac949 getting their children ready for primary school and \u20ac1,399 for secondary, while over a third of families fall into debt over this period, and 24% will go to moneylenders to find the funds for school supplies.<\/p>\n
The report also found that two thirds of parents have to decide that a child does not participate in some extracurricular activities so that they can cover costs and a third of them will not be able to afford school trips.<\/p>\n
One Sinn F\u00e9in proposal is eliminating schools voluntary contributions.<\/p>\n
In primary schools, according to Barnardos, 67% of parents have been asked for a voluntary contribution, up 11% on last year.<\/p>\n
In secondary schools, 71% of parents have been asked to pay a contribution, an increase of 2% since last year.<\/p>\n
The average cost at primary level is \u20ac85 and in secondary it is \u20ac225.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in proposes that the government should work towards the goal of eliminating voluntary contributions, by eliminating the funding shortfall with funding to schools increased.<\/p>\n
They also suggest a \u20ac140 Back To School Bonus for every child paid at the start of July, legislative measures to ensure schools make uniforms affordable, and significantly expanding School Meals Program, along with a Holiday Hunger Scheme, which would see school dinners provided throughout the summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year, every summer, parents are put to the pin of their collar trying to organize uniforms, shoes, books, so-called \u2018voluntary contributions\u2019 and much more,\u201d Mr \u00d3 Laoghaire said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than any other time of year it becomes abundantly clear that free primary and secondary education in this state is a myth.<\/p>\n
\u201cFar from a relaxed time, summer can cause huge stress to thousands upon thousands of families across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
An Oireachtas Education Committee report has already urged Education Minister Joe McHugh to make \u20ac229 million available to eliminate voluntary contributions, and recommended \u201cnon-badged generic uniforms\u201d, to keep uniform prices down.<\/p>\n