By Sean MurphyHIDDEN back-to-school costs and worrying energy arrears mean under pressure parents have never had it so hard, it has been warned. It calculated that average back-to-school expenses are €1,607 for primary school and €2,142 for secondary school across the full academic year. AdvertisementSt Vincent de Paul regional president Rosa Glacken told the Donegal News: “Back-to-school costs together with several other challenges linked to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis make this year even more difficult. “People have mortgages to pay and cope with the cost of living and back-to-school costs. St Vincent de Paul recorded a drop in calls for support with back-to-school costs when the free book scheme was introduced in 2023.