Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I would never say that she is a person who does not have concern for those going back to school. I welcome the expenditure she has secured in terms of advance steps. I will refer to those who are not eligible for back-to-school payments. Recent surveys have shown that the average cost of sending a child back to school is now nearly €1,200 for a primary school student and nearly €1,500 for a child in secondary school. The Irish League of Credit Unions recently released the results of a survey that showed that nearly 24% of families get into debt at this time of year. It is a significant cost and, as the Minister knows, it is also rising rapidly. I welcome the Minister's announcement with regard to subsidising school transport and the additions she has outlined but are we doing enough to address the core of the issue of school costs?

I will raise the issue of school contributions, which every family faces at this time of year. It is very hard to avoid them. It is very hard on kids to feel excluded or to be sent home with envelopes asking for school contributions when their parents are really struggling. It may be time to look at capitation grants. Will the Minister speak to the Minister for Education about increasing capitation grants to schools nationwide?

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