As the summer holidays come to an end, parents face the cost of the return to school.
The Labour party says many parents are under a big financial strain at this time of year, as they look to meet the cost of uniforms and books for their children. The price of school books is setting some families back hundreds of pounds.
Labour party education spokesperson Roisin Shortall believes the cost to a family for a twelve year old starting secondary school will average out at over £700. She says the current grant schemes are hopelessly inadequate for low income families. The Labour party is calling on the government to pick up the tab for putting children through the education system.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 30 August 2000. The reporter is Teresa Mannion.
