Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection

Managing Back to School Costs: Discussion

11:35 am

Dr. Ken Fennelly:

I echo the remarks of Ms Flynn and Ms Gorman. We can also advise schools about the guidelines on school uniforms. The patrons have no issue with school uniforms, so it would be no problem for us.

It is important to highlight that many of our schools are older small schools. The loss of the minor works grant will affect them and will add to their running costs. As Ms Flynn said, one cannot turn off radiators in one part of the building. If one turns off the radiators it would cause an airlock. There is also the issue of insulation and heat conservation. One must comply with building regulations and for that reason, PVC windows may not be suitable. Individual boards of management must try to cope.