Barnardos says the government must do more to ensure equal access to education for all children regardless of their parent's income.
In its annual school costs survey, the children's charity found that poorer families are unable to afford basics such as books and uniforms.
Barnardos says costs far outstrip the State's Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
It's worth 100 Euro for a primary school child and two hundred for a child at second level.
Fergus Finlay of Barnardos wants the means tested payment to be given to more people:
