Barnardos is calling on the Government to implement measures in Budget 2023 to alleviate the pressure of back to school costs on families.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said families on modest incomes are ‘fighting to stay afloat’.

The Government announced on Tuesday that the back-to-school allowance is to increase by €100 per child.

An annual school-costs survey shows parents are now spending an average of €1,195 per primary school child

Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed school transport fees will also be waived for the academic year

The party wants to extend the allowance to an additional 500,000 children under proposals to cut back-to-school costs.