Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

This is an issue that arises at the same time every year. I am personally aware of the costs involved as I have a young son and grandchildren. The most appropriate solution is for a school to opt for a generic colour for its uniform, which could be delivered by the large retail units. As it is, uniforms are often not manufactured in this country, so it is not a question of disrupting local employment. The school would then arrange for the clothing to be customised with a badge or crest. That was the option advised to me by people in the garment trade. The production of the badge may be outsourced but is conceived and delivered locally.

However, it is not within my remit to oblige schools to take this approach. Rather, it is a matter for the board of management and patron of each school, and there is a large number of players in that particular chain of decision making. All I can do is recommend that schools explore this option. All I can say to the National Parents Councils at both primary and secondary level is that they should seek to mobilise parents on this issue. I understand there are some 1,600 parents' associations affiliated to the national council at primary level, which is where the intervention must take place. The Department cannot, under any statutory instrument or legislation, compel a school to do X or Y in the area of uniforms.

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