Labour TD and Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called on Boards of Management to tackle energy costs in Irish schools, urging them to consider the findings of his 'Back to School Costs' report.

Ó Ríordáin was speaking after 'Friends of the Earth Dublin' addressed the Education Committee on foot of his invitation. Their spokespeople confirmed that 30% of school costs are energy bills which are often transmitted onto the parents by means of voluntary contributions.

He said: "It is clear that closer monitoring of the energy costs within school buildings is required. My 'Back to School Costs' report advocated the establishment of Finance sub-committees within the structure of the Boards of Management of schools, a position supported by the National Parents Council Primary.

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"Such a committee would scrutinise the expenditure on energy bills and ascertain effective cost-saving measures so as to ensure that schools are being run as energy - efficient as possible.

"Many of our school buildings are old, and therefore their energy costs can be high. However, Friends of the Earth have identified practical ways in which schools can address these issues to the benefit of the school finances and by extension the parent body.

"The discussion that took place today is part of an ongoing conversation that I have initiated at the Education Committee about the unfair burden loaded on parents every year as their children go back to school. I will continue to pursue this agenda with all partners in education who fully believe in the aspiration of free education."

(CD/JP)