Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said the latest report from Barnardo’s, which highlights the pressure on parents to cover back-to-school costs, yet again lays bare the need for a cost-of-living package in this year’s Budget.

Teachta Crowe said the report must act as a wakeup call for government who remain oblivious to the huge stress and hardship facing workers and families across the state.

Teachta Crowe said:

“This report from Barnardo’s yet again lays bare the need for a cost-of-living package in this year’s budget.

“The report outlines that back-to-schools costs often reach up to €1,100 for secondary school and €725 for primary school students. Families are already struggling to keep their heads above water as the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral out of control, people simply cannot afford this annual financial blow.

“The children’s ombudsman confirmed to an Oireachtas committee in recent weeks that child poverty has doubled in the last year.

“This latest Barnardo’s report tells us that over half of parents of schoolchildren are worried about back-to-school costs. Parents are particularly concerned about the costs of uniforms, voluntary contributions and for secondary school parents the increasing cost of digital devices.

“Parents are forced to use savings, take out loans, and cut back on other essentials to cover the costs. A shocking 27% of secondary and 14% primary school parents said they had to use savings, while 15% and 8%, respectively, had to take out a loan or borrow from family and friends.

“This government has the resources to ensure that families are not left in situations like this. However, they seem content on ignoring the stress and hardship so many are experiencing and pretending that the cost-of-living crisis is over.

“Sinn Féin has a plan to make back-to-school costs more affordable. We would put money back in your pocket with a double child benefit payment in September and by doubling the clothing and footwear allowance.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael need to get their heads out of the sand and wake up to the realities that people are facing. The cost-of-living crisis has not gone away.

“The government must come to its senses and commit to a cost-of-living package in this year’s Budget.”