774. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 62815/26 of 7 September 2026, if his Department will now undertake an assessment of the average cost incurred by families in preparing a child to return to school, measured against the value of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65399/26]

The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a payment to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear only, when a child is returning to education. The allowance is payable at the rate of €160.00 in respect of children aged 2-11, and €285.00 in respect of children aged 12 and over and is a contribution to assist households with the costs of school clothing and footwear.

In a report by Barnardos entitled The Real Cost of School in 2026 published in August of this year, it is noted that the cost of uniforms for specific years within primary and secondary school were as follows:

Taking the above figures into account, the value of the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance compares favourably against the costs of uniforms when a child is returning to education.

My Department does not have any plans to undertake an assessment of the average cost incurred by families in preparing a child to return to school against the value of the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Other associated costs incurred by families when a child is returning to education is a matter for my colleague, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, and the Department of Education and Youth.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.