Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We all know that the term "free education" is a myth at this stage. As we have heard, a staggering 66% of parents find back-to-school costs an additional financial burden. The cost of schoolbooks remain high. There are elevated student fees and costs for travel, accommodation, uniforms, stationery and extracurricular activities. Every year, the issue of iPads is raised. People have to pay €700 for an iPad and have to buy the books at the same time. The Government is not listening to parents and guardians. It is looking to increase the cost of education again in September 2023. The Government must reverse the planned increase of student contribution charges and instead commit to phasing out fees over the coming years.

The Union of Students in Ireland, USI, cost of college campaign is a prime example of the burden on students and their families in higher education. It cites accommodation and travel costs and student contribution fees as major obstacles to those wishing to continue their education. From meeting students in Technological University, TU, Dublin - Blanchardstown, I know the cost of accommodation is crippling them and stopping them from completing their education. From talking directly to apprentices and members of the USI, many of them also noted poor pay as a major factor in their education. Given the Government's promotion of further education, removing these contribution fees is crucial.

With the average cost of schoolbooks for parents at €101 per child at primary school and €201 at secondary level, the Government can expand the free schoolbook grant scheme to secondary schools in budget 2024. Education must be genuinely free and accessible to all.

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