Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has called for urgent action to cut school uniform costs, stating that families were now under increasing pressure ahead of the new term in September.
“School uniform costs are far too high and are putting huge pressure on families’ finances. Families are already being hit by the cost of living crisis, as prices are spiralling and many simply cannot afford these back-to-school costs which can reach thousands of Euro,” she said.
Deputy Kerrane said families across Roscommon and Galway are struggling to keep up with back-to-school costs and need urgent help.
“We see families here in Roscommon and Galway spending hundreds of euro on school uniforms, tracksuits, shoes and other items of clothing every summer and the huge financial burden this causes families. Many will be worrying about how they will manage to pay that this year,” she said, claiming that Sinn Féin were committed to cutting costs on uniforms, books, and school.
“Our Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has brought forward legislation in recent months to cut the costs of school uniforms, to ensure that every school has an affordable uniform policy and that no child is disadvantaged by not being able to afford a particular item, and by ensuring that parents can buy these items in multiple retailers and that they are at an affordable price. This would make a real difference to cutting costs for families and ensuring they get a much-needed break from the cost of living crisis,” she added.
“We are urging the Government to support Sinn Féin’s legislation to deliver a much-needed break for families hit by the cost of living crisis. Families need urgent help with back-to-school costs now”.
