Rise in 'working poor' with 70% of secondary school parents worried about costs

Free schoolbooks have been rolled out at primary level, and the scheme is due to come into force at junior cycle level from this term — which aims to reduce the financial burden on parents.

More families are becoming part of the "working poor", as new figures reveal that 70% of secondary school parents are worried about meeting costs this year.

Parents will be forking out an average of €119 on primary school uniforms ahead of September, while the cost jumps to €211 for pupils in secondary school.