Children's charity Barnardos says mounting back-to-school costs prove parents are being forced to subsidise Ireland's education system.
The charity's latest report shows it takes €800 to send a student into first year in secondary school.
Meanwhile, the average fourth class primary school pupil needs €400 to start the new term.
Barnardos claims the prices are plunging families into debt.
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The report coincides with a new recruitment drive by the children's charity who is calling on communities to join them by volunteering at their National Collection day on September 15th.
Interested? You can register by clicking here.
