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Dáil Debates Motion To Cut Back To School Costs

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 15:06

Almost €3 million is being allocated through the Back to School and Footwear Allowance across the midlands.

The Dáil is debating a motion calling for lower back to school costs. 

Opposition parties say education still isn't free and amid a cost of living crisis, many families will struggle in September.

While Government TDs have pointed to the coalition making schoolbooks free. 

It comes as almost €3 million is being allocated for the Back To School and Footwear Allowance to over 7,500 families across the Midlands.

The Social Democrats' Rory Hearne says that doesn't cover up for decades of neglect:

2,809 families in Westmeath are set to receive €1,091,180.

While €986,000 will be shared between 2,440 people in Laois, with €916,475 being allocated for 2,324 households in Offaly.    

Around 126,000 families across the country are set to get the once-off payment this week, with applications for the scheme remaining open until September 30th.

The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides a once-off payment to eligible families towards the cost of school clothing and footwear.

The scheme has been extended this year to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. As a result of this extension, it is estimated that approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year.

The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 2 - 11 years on or before 30th September 2026 is €160, while an allowance of €285 is paid for each eligible child aged 12 - 22 years on or before 30th September 2025. Students aged between 18 - 22 years must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2026 to retain an entitlement to payment.

Commenting on the payments, Minister Calleary said:

This week, over 126,000 families across the country will receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This payment, which benefits over 233,000 children, is a vital support for parents in meeting their back-to-school costs over the coming weeks.

I am particularly pleased that from this year, the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance has been extended to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. This means that up to 37,000 additional children will be eligible to receive this important payment.

If you think you may be eligible and have not yet applied, I would encourage you to check your entitlement. The scheme remains open until 30 September, and we want to ensure every family receives the support they are entitled to.

Offaly Fine Gael TD John Clendennen is encouraging any family in Offaly who think they may be eligible for the payment to check their entitlement. 

Offaly Fianna Fail Deputy Tony McCormack says: "I am acutely aware of the financial struggle families across Offaly are facing, particularly in the months where children are getting ready to begin a new school year. This scheme will help alleviate some of the stress parents face, meaning they don’t have to worry about where the money will come from to pay for new school uniforms at the start of each year."

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