Mr. Michael Moriarty:

Having listened to the debate, two issues arise. First, how can the State lessen the burden on the school? If the burden is on the school it transfers to the parents. If one orders fuels costing €2,000 and the VAT rate of 23% applies it amounts to €460 in VAT, which is very significant. Then the school must pay for water rates, public utilities and other charges. The cost of running a school has become prohibitive. The school must function and must pay its bills. The load then transfers to the local community. If the school is located in a well-off area, the burden is not as great but if it is in a disadvantaged area then there are serious issues with equity. The State can examine and make provision for lightening the burden on the school management.

Second, there is a cost in sending children to school. Schools are tying to be creative in meeting these costs. I like the collaborative approach Deputy Ó Ríordáin mentioned. There is much we can do to try to develop that. Uniforms act as a leveller and stop fashion parades. The idea of a generic uniform with the logo or crest being affixed is a simple solution which will benefit everybody.