Clare Credit Union Manager Claims "Underfunded" Education System Financially Punishing Parents

The head of a Clare credit union claims a historically "underfunded" education system is punishing parents financially. The Irish League of Credit Unions' annual Back to School Survey has found one in four parents have got into debt to meet back to school costs - with one third of these in debt of over €500. The total average back to school spend per child for primary school parents has dropped by €66 to €1,086 this year but has risen by €113 too €1,401 for secondary school parents. Chief Executive Officer of St. Francis Credit Union in Clare, Louis Fay says although Ireland prides itself on "free" education, parents forced to pay out for the likes of books and uniforms don't experience it as such.