Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their contributions today. I will address my initial questions to the departmental representatives. There was an announcement this week about the resumption of the minor works scheme. How much funding is available under that scheme this year and how does that compare with previous years? The representatives said it is not the Department's intention to stop schools from seeking voluntary contributions. Has the Department information on whether the contributions have increased in recent years and, if so, why?

I have a number of questions for the representatives of the Joint Managerial Body. Who decides whether a school will have a uniform? Are parents in general consulted on that question? Where a school adopts a uniform policy, are there many instances of that policy being reviewed over time? The Department made an announcement on school uniforms earlier this week. Was there any consultation with the JMB prior to the announcement? I presume there was some discussion or consultation in advance of that announcement.

Fr. Paul Connell indicated that 30% of funding comes from parents.