More than a quarter of parents in Cork and surrounding counties are getting into debt to cover school costs.
That's according to the Irish League of Credit Unions who say it costs nearly €1200 to send a child to primary school and just under €1500 for a secondary school student.
The ILCU say they have seen a rise in the amount of people coming to them for loans with parents saying they've become attached to money lenders to cover school costs.
School books top the price list of most expensive items for parents, while extracurricular activities was also having an affect on wallets along with schools seeking "voluntary contributions"
Speaking to RedFM News Head of Communications at the ILCU Paul Bailey says schools should do more to help parents being tied into debt:
