Back-To-School survey: 'It doesn't feel like we're thriving, it feels like we're surviving'

Poppy Deans at the launch of Barnardos’ Back to School Survey 2022 which found the average voluntary contribution schools sought from parents was €81 for primary school and €124 for secondary school. Photo: Patrick Bolger

The national children’s charity Barnardos has called on the Government to adequately fund schools so that they no longer need to rely on ‘voluntary’ contributions from hard-pressed parents.

Barnardos is also calling on the Government to introduce free schoolbooks and to ensure all schools allow for affordable uniforms.