However, according to Chief Executive of Barnardos Fergus Finlay, not all parents who need the allowance will receive it, despite being in “straitened circumstances”.
"There are a lot of families applying now because of straitened circumstances who will be turned down because they don’t meet the income thresholds,” he said.
In light of the recent revelation, Fergus Finlay is now calling on parents “to band together” to stop school councils forcing them “into buying only the expensive items.”
The Chief Executive is also asking the Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan to “compel” schools to engage with parents who have to pay up to €50 for a school jumper.
"They have to insist through their parents' council that they won't be bullied or forced into buying only the expensive items," he said.
If you are struggling with the cost of back to school, the following advice may make things a little easier for you and your family.
