Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy. There is a commitment on the issue of school uniforms in the education plan I published recently. As she said, there was a circular relating to parents getting best value for money as well as that link between schools. There have traditionally been links with particular providers in rural areas. It is about ensuring there is value for money for parents without completely severing those ties. Outside of any circular, there has been a focus on this issue in recent weeks from the Department. It is encouraging schools to work with parents and providers to try to reduce the costs associated with the return to school. We will work on that issue to see how we can try to reduce costs overall.

In respect of the Deputy’s question about the capitation grant, my honest answer is that I do not know when we will get to the stage where schools will never ask for funding from parents. If schools have a decision to make or decide that they want to do something different or new or obtain particular resources they require, it is open to them to ask that question. It is also open to parents to refuse or for the board of management to decide against it. I am not sure when or if we will get to a point where schools never ever ask for funding.