Research reveals back to school costs for parents

New research carried out has revealed that a typical Irish family spends approximately €470 on back-to-school costs for second level pupils, and €320 for primary students. The research, commissioned by the Irish League of Credit Unions, goes on to say that 88% of parents surveys expressed a preference for laptops or e-book readers to become part of the in-class education experience in a bid to negate the cost of school books. According to the research schools uniforms and books are the heaviest burden on parents at back to school time, and 38% of parents feel pressured to buy branded school items over generic ones. Extracurricular expenses also represent a noticeable financial burden, with an average of €145 being spent per child at primary level and €152 at secondary level. While 46% of parents use their monthly income to fund back to school necessities, a whopping 54% have to find funds elsewhere. Credit cards are used by 16%, savings by 13%, the Back to School Allowance 12% and credit unions 7%. The same research reports that many parents feel the Back to School Allowance is not sufficient to cover costs.