Sinn Féin TDs Conor D. McGuinness and David Cullinane have said families across Waterford are facing unacceptable financial pressure as children prepare to return to school, following the publication of the Barnardos Back to School Survey 2026.

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness said the report reflects what families across Waterford have been telling Sinn Féin.

“Parents are under enormous pressure. Families are trying to cover mortgages, rent, groceries and energy bills, while at the same time facing hundreds of euro in back-to-school costs.

“The idea that education is free simply does not match the reality for many families. Parents are paying for uniforms, digital devices, books and so-called voluntary contributions. For many, these costs are becoming impossible to manage.

“Barnardos found that more than half of parents are worried about meeting back-to-school costs. We know from speaking to families across Waterford that many are cutting back elsewhere, dipping into savings or taking on debt just to make sure their children have what they need.”

Deputy David Cullinane said Government had repeatedly failed to tackle the causes of rising school costs.

“Uniforms remain far too expensive because the Government has failed to require schools to provide affordable options. Parents are also being asked to pay hundreds of euro for tablets and laptops, with some facing bills of more than €800.

“Last year Sinn Féin brought forward legislation to require affordable school uniform policies. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael refused to support it. Families are paying the price for that decision.

“Schools also continue to rely on so-called voluntary contributions because they are not being adequately funded by Government. Parents should not be expected to fill the gap left by years of underinvestment.

According to Barnardos parents in secondary school are being asked to pay an average of more than €200 as a “voluntary contribution” and classroom rescorces while primary schools are asking for an average of €130 per pupil

Deputy Cullinane added that “every child deserves access to education without their parents facing financial hardship. The Minister must now act by supporting affordable uniform policies, reducing digital device costs and introducing clear rules around voluntary contributions.

“Families in Waterford deserve better than another year of Government excuses.”