Parents warned to budget for whole school year

Parents have been warned that school bills will continue to crop up throughout the year, and that they should budget accordingly.

Two surveys today - by Barnardos and the National Consumer Agency (NCA) - have indicated that stretched household incomes are making it increasingly difficult to meet the costs of the new school term.

The NCA is putting the average costs of books, uniforms, stationary and P.E. kits at just under €500 per child at primary school and just over €600 per secondary school student.

NCA director of Policy and Research Fergal O'Leary said: "We're trying to raise awareness that even though there is a lot to spend in the next few weeks, there will be more costs throughout the year."

He referred parents to the NCA's budget planner to help them cater for the costs ahead.