School Costs
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-17
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Charlie McConalogue (FF), Donegal

I thank Deputy O'Hara. There is real recognition from the Government of the pressures on families at back-to-school time. That is why we put a number of supports in place each year, such as the back-to-school allowance. It is also why the Government engages with boards of management in schools to make sure that those costs are fully considered at school level and are managed. In the Minister's communication to schools and boards of management this year, she emphasised the importance of minimising that cost burden on students and their families where digital devices are used as part of school life. She requested that school authorities have regard to a number of key principles. The guidance also reflects the established departmental approach to the general management of school-related costs, which was set out in Circular 32/2017 and Circular 65/2010. This guidance is intended to support boards of management in making decisions that promote affordability, equity and value for money.
A number of measures are in place to support educators and parents as part of the Department of education's ongoing commitment to reducing financial pressure on families and ensuring that every student is supported. These measures include an instruction from the Department to schools to consult with parents and the school community on ensuring that costs are reasonable for parents and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier. For example, where possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified.
The Deputy raises an important issue. It is one the Government and schools always need to be cognisant of. It is important that we all collectively work together to make sure that the real cost burden families face in relation to school costs is managed as best as possible while ensuring that students have what they need to have the best possible and optimal education. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter today. I will certainly pass his feedback and the key points he has raised on to the Minister for education.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-17