Families in Cavan and Monaghan need "urgent help" with back-to-school costs. That's according to local Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Pauline Tully who has called on the Government to "do more" to support families in crisis.
Her calls come after Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys launched a series of targeted supports yesterday to assist with those costs. Deputy Tully says the publication of results following a survey carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions highlights the financial pressures parents are facing.
She added that those results have found that one third of families are unable to buy new shoes for their children when they go back to school in September and 72% of parents are finding back to school costs "a financial burden" this year when compared to 66% in 2022.
"Back-to-school costs are putting huge pressure on families across Cavan-Monaghan. School transport, books, uniforms and voluntary contributions can add up to hundreds or even thousands of Euros for families.
"These costs are unaffordable and this is particularly the case as families face the cost of living crisis. Every day, parents in Cavan and Monaghan have shared their concerns with me about meeting these costs.
"This survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions highlights the huge pressures families are under here in counties Cavan and Monaghan and across the state. The results find that a third of families are unable to buy new shoes for their children when they go back to school in September.
"The figures also show that 72 per cent of parents are finding back to school costs to be a financial burden this year compared to 66 per cent in 2022. Families in counties Cavan and Monaghan need a break from back-to-school costs now. Government must act to ensure that families get this support urgently, as September is approaching quickly," Deputy Tully said.
