Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I have previously put on the record of this House my support for any measures that can reduce uniform costs for parents, including measures such as the use of generic type uniforms or the use of sew-on crests or school badges. I have raised this matter informally with the National Parents Council at primary level and I recommend that the primary and post primary National Parents Councils mobilise parents' associations and schools' associations to raise this issue with school authorities. I have since discussed the matter again with the National Parents Council and a further meeting on this matter will take place in early September. However, any arrangements in this regard will have to be made between school authorities and parents. It is important that schools are sensitive to the financial pressures on parents in making decisions, not just about school uniforms but about any matter that has cost implications for parents.

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