Irish parents are reportedly paying €28 million in 'voluntary' contribution fees in schools.
According to the Department of Education, schools still need contribution fees because of gaps in their finances.
Parents will pay an average of €101 for children in primary school. Contribution fees for secondary school pupils will be an average of €143.
The 'voluntary' contribution fee has been slated for years with many parents calling for it to be scrapped completely.
There is already so much financial strain put on parents when it comes to the back-to-school season so having an additional fee into the mix only causes more stress.
Barnardoes has called for the fee to be removed because of the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Parents have also slated the fee for years with many saying it puts even more pressure on families during back-to-school season.
HerFamily readers recently slated the fees and said it is time for the government to offer more financial support to schools.
One mum said parents are already paying enough to send their children to school.
"It's about time that necessities are provided by the government, and not through 'voluntary' contributions," one mum also shared.
Another added, "It’s an absolute disgrace that parents have to contribute this on top of paying for crested uniforms!"
"Total madness to say there is free education in Ireland."
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