Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme, operated by the Department of Social Protection, provides support for eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. As the Deputy is aware, eligibility for the back to school allowance is determined and administered by the Department of Social Protection and is, therefore, primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

Decisions regarding each school's policy with regard to school uniforms are dealt with at local school level. My Department recommends that the formulation of such a school policy should allow for prior consultation with teachers, parents and pupils where appropriate and enable any concerns about the issue of cost to be raised and considered. I encourage schools to consider, where possible, the use of generic uniforms or any other measures that can reduce the cost for parents of school uniforms.

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