A midlands mum has been describing how she spends the summer preparing for the back to school price tag.
Almost 1 in 3 parents are getting into debt because of back to school costs.
The latest survey from the Irish League of Credit Unions shows parents are spending €1,518 on secondary school children, and €1,195 at primary school.
It comes as the back-to-school allowance is set to increase by €100, with school transport fees being waived.
CEO of OneFamily, Karen Kiernan, says the allowance isn't sustainable for many lone parents because of the rising cost of living:
Killucan's Becky Loftus is the mother of four school children, and she spends the summer preparing for the back to school price tag:
The Finance Minister is urging families that are struggling to cover back-to-school costs to get in touch with their local credit union or social welfare office.
Paschal Donohoe has this advice for those considering taking the illegal route:
Education Minister Norma Foley says she will be pushing for more cost-relieving measures as part of the Budget:
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