The burden of school book costs appears to be falling slightly but the outlay has risen to almost €300 for children starting second-level education.

Struggling parents claim they are cutting back on food and household bills to meet the costs of going back to school.

Parents are cutting back on food and delaying paying their bills in an effort to cover the costs of sending their children to school, a survey has revealed.

About 1,700 families are applying every day for State supports to help with the cost of sending their children back to school.