The teacher's union believes lack of investment puts pressure on schools and families.
The Teachers' Union of Ireland says chronic under-funding of education is putting huge pressure on both schools and parents.
Barnardos is calling on the government to cover the cost of school books, and to ban voluntary contributions.
Analysis by the charity shows basic costs to send a first year student to secondary school is 814 euro, and 722 euro for a fifth year pupil.
A survey shows two thirds of parents, of primary school children, are worried about back to school costs while three quarters of families with secondary school pupils are concerned.
TUI general secretary, and Tullamore's Michael Gillespie, says there's been a lack of investment in education for too long:
Laois Rose Praises Support Of Tolu Makay During DWTS Journey
Jazz Festival In Laois Town Returns This Weekend
Offaly County Council Unveil Bat House Project
103 Meter St Brigid's Cloak To Be Unveiled in Westmeath This Sunday
Popular Offaly Charity Walk Returns This Weekend
Laois Councillor Calls For Reduced Reliance On AHB'S
Homelessness Figures In Midlands Fall By 7%
Westmeath Man Who Smothered, Choked And Set Wife On Fire Jailed For Five Years
Boomtown Rats Join Laois Festival Line-Up
Midlands Homelessness Falls 7% In Latest Report
Laois County Council Continuing To Monitor Flooding Situation
Appeal Lodged Against Proposed Midlands Hospice
HSE Midlands Encourages People To Consider All Options This Bank Holiday
Laois School Gets Go Ahead For New Campus Building
World Champion Headlining Snooker Exhibition In Offaly
Midlands Communities Celebrating St. Brigid's Day
Irish Rail Warns Midlands Commuters Of Bank Holiday Delays
€30m Primary Care Centre Gets Planning Approval In Laois
Two People Hospitalised Following Westmeath Crash