Government failure is heaping unbearable back-to-school costs onto families - Darren O'Rourke TD

Wednesday 05th 2026, 11:56am

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has today condemned the Government’s failure to protect families from exorbitant back-to-school costs, following the publication of the Barnardos Back to School Survey 2026.

Teachta O’Rourke said the findings paint a damning picture of parents being forced to choose between paying household bills and paying for their children’s education.

He said;

"This Barnardos report confirms what Sinn Féin has been saying for years - our education system is far from free, and parents are paying the price for Government inaction. Over half of all parents are worried about meeting school costs, with almost one in five saying they are very concerned. This is not acceptable in 2026.

"The Minister for Education needs to act now. Over two thirds of parents are worried about the cost of uniforms, yet less than one third of primary schools and just 9% of secondary schools offer an affordable option. The Government promised to update Circular 32/2017 to tackle this, but parents are still waiting.

"Parents are being absolutely fleeced by mandatory digital device costs. A staggering 57% of secondary school parents are paying an average of €447 for tablets and laptops, with one parent quoted as being asked to pay €850. The Government’s failure to regulate this is a disgrace.

"We have heard from parents who are being forced to take out loans just to send their children back to school. In a wealthy country like Ireland, no parent should be forced into debt over school uniforms or a digital device.

"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been in power for years and have failed to deliver meaningful reform. Last year, Sinn Féin introduced the Education (Affordable School Uniform) Bill to mandate cost-conscious policies in schools. The Government refused to support it and must now explain why they are blocking action that would save families hundreds of euro. Hard-pressed families cannot wait any longer.

"A truly free education must be the goal, but the Government’s policy of underfunding schools is forcing parents to subsidise the system through so-called ‘voluntary’ contributions. Parents are worried about paying their electricity bills and putting food on the table, yet this Government is asking them to shoulder the burden of chronic underfunding.

"Sinn Féin is calling on Minister Naughton to act immediately. She should pass Sinn Féin's legislation to make affordable uniform options mandatory. She should review the use of digital devices to reduce costs for low-income families, and she should introduce a code of practice for so-called 'voluntary' contributions.

"The Government has failed parents. It is long past time for a change of approach."

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