CHILDREN MAKING their First Communion will still be well looked after on their big day this year despite the recession. However, people will be more cautious with older children making their Confirmation.
With thousands of children around the country due to celebrate their Confirmation and First Communion in the coming weeks, EBS building society has released its annual research, which provides an insight into attitudes towards spending on Confirmations and First Holy Communions.
The survey said the estimated cost of a Communion once the clothes, parties and presents are paid for will be €554 per child, up €75 on the estimated cost last year.
When it comes to Confirmations there has also been an increase in expected costs, and this year parents estimated it would cost €532, up 5 per cent on last year.
The research also explores how the continued economic environment is having an effect on the tradition of giving children money for their Communion, and examines what children are expected to do with that money.
The average sum a child gets for making their Communion continues to increase year on year.