Some parents will be forced to spend up to 350 euros per child on school books this year, it has been revealed.

Research by the Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) found that the cost of providing for students in their first and fifth years of secondary school is the highest.

The Department of Education is being urged to take action and stop publishers from creating new editions of books when the curriculum has not changed, the Irish Independent reports.

According to the CAI: "The cost of buying school books is excessive and more needs to be done to lessen the burden on parents".

Students in second year are the least expensive to cater for, with their books costing 62 euros on average.

In related news, parents have been urged to apply for back-to-school clothing and footwear allowances as early as possible this year, with around 160,000 people expected to make an application for finance.

Written by Donal Walsh

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