My department has access to a subset of schools’ expenditure data gathered by the Financial Support Services Unit, however this does not include data on voluntary contributions or parents’ spending on uniforms or digital devices.
In relation to spending on books, all children and young people enrolled in primary, special and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme are provided with free schoolbooks/eBooks and core classroom resources.
Recent surveys from Barnardos and the Irish League of Credit Unions indicate that the cost of sending children and young people to school has increased and this is due in part to schools requesting parents to purchase digital devices.
That is why I have written to schools to advise them that there is no requirement from the department for a student to have their own digital device for school. I have also asked schools to fully consider the views of parents and guardians, as well as cost and equity implications, before introducing any new approach involving digital devices.
Given that the above organisations, amongst others, already carry out such surveys and publish their findings annually, my department has no plans to replicate such assessments.
As the Deputy is aware, Circular 0032/2017 is currently being reviewed. In addition to a focus on reducing costs for parents, the review is looking at the comfort and sustainability of school uniforms. My officials will continue to engage with the education partners, including the National Parents Council, as we progress this important work.
Additionally, I am progressing the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. This Bill aims to improve the level of engagement between members of the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from members of the school community and by further developing a listening culture in our schools. This will strengthen engagement between schools, parents and students, including on issues such as back-to-school costs and school uniform policies. Having passed all stages in Seanad Éireann, Committee Stage of the Bill in Dáil Éireann is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
