Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleague, Deputy Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on education, and his team for putting together this sensible and beneficial package for the good of our schoolchildren and of the nation. The facts speak for themselves. We have record high inflation rate of over 9% which is racing towards breaking the 10% barrier. Heavy food prices are also heading our way. A local bakery in Wexford which supplies the region has increased its prices three times in the last 18 months. It is now €3.19 for a white sliced pan from the local bakery.

This is a basic food item. Flour has doubled in price while vegetable oil has tripled and yeast has increased by 30%. There have also been huge increases in the cost of milk, eggs and buttermilk. Twelve months ago, pasteurised egg cost €1.20 per kg. Today it costs €2.40 per kg. Butter is trading at €7,500 per tonne. Twelve months ago, it was €3,380 per tonne.

I raise these issues because they affect every single family in Ireland and are subsequently related to every family's school budget. Something must be done now to help families, particularly with the back-to-school costs. The basics must be covered. Families on middle incomes, including those on incomes up to €80,000, must be included in the back-to-school allowance. Everyone in this House, including Government and Opposition Deputies, must take action now. Working families are facing colossal energy bills this winter. Electricity and gas bills have increased by 193% and 93%, respectively. Unfortunately, there are more increases to come. This motion is important because it would give an additional 500,000 children and their parents financial help at a time when critical intervention is most needed. It would help hold back the tide and keep working families above the water line. We are asking the Government to increase the back-to-school allowance by 50% for those who already qualify for it. We are also asking it to enact Sinn Féin's Education (Affordable School Uniforms) Bill 2022.

This realisation must sink in. Immediate action must be forthcoming before the winter arrives. The increase in the back-to-school allowance can and will make a difference to more than two thirds of children returning to school, as well as those enrolling for the first time this year. It should be increased from €160 to €240 for children between four and 11 and from €285 to €427.50 for children over 12 years of age. This package will make a huge difference and will help many families, including an additional 500,000 children and their families, with their back-to-school costs when they need it most. I ask all Deputies to see the economic and social benefits this motion will bring to our young people and their parents and give help when it is needed. I hope all Deputies will support this motion. Ten weeks' time is far too late.

See this speech in context