The Independent has revealed the extortionate cost of ‘free’ primary education in Ireland. They shared that parents in Ireland are spending €46 million a year to keep primary schools going.
Irish schools heavily rely on government funds as well as donations from pupil’s parents to keep them up and running.
It is understood that it cost approximately €91,000 to keep a school running in Ireland. The State gives primary schools €46,000 towards it's running costs, however, parents are still forking out excessive amounts, despite the fact that Ireland’s primary school pupils are entitled to a ‘free’ education.
Every child in Ireland is entitled to a free, state-run primary and post-primary education. It is compulsory for youths to attend school from the ages of six to 16.
The main costs that are weighing schools down include heating bills, classroom equipment, lighting, school tours and repairs.
Many schools have introduced ‘voluntary’ contribution fees, however, despite the fact that they are ‘voluntary, up to two-thirds of parents admitted that they pay the fee, according to the Irish Times.
The fee tends to range from €50 to €250, depending on the school.
On top of the contribution fee, parents are spending hundreds of euros on school supplies, including books, stationery, uniforms, transport and even the cost of lunches can be quite pricey.
75 percent of parents admitted that the price of school uniforms is one of the most extreme charges they face every school term.
The cost of school books was their second biggest worry, with 69 percent of parents saying school books were one of the most expensive aspects of going back to school.
