Parents' Council not surprised at cost of educating children

The National Parents' Council has said it is not surprised at the hidden cost of educating a child.

A new survey out today shows that the cost of putting a child through the system from primary school right through to college graduation is €70,000.

Primary education for one costs €13,500 over eight years and secondary school costs just over €14,000.

But the big bill kicks in at third level, with average total costs of nearly €42,000.

CEO of the National Parents' Council Aine Lynch said this is a particularly difficult time of year for parents.