Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My Department will carefully consider the joint committee's report on tackling back-to-school costs which was published last week.

Tackling the costs associated with school is a major priority of mine. I have recently issued guidance on schoolbook rental schemes. I have also raised the matter of school uniforms informally with the National Parents Council at primary level recommending that it and the National Parents Council at post primary level mobilise parents' associations to raise this issue with school authorities. I agree with the joint committee's view that more must be done at school level to show greater leadership in this regard.

It is important that all schools are sensitive to the financial pressures on parents not only with regard to school uniforms or books but in respect of any matter that has cost implications for parents. Therefore, I join the call to urge individual schools, boards and patrons to ensure that any steps recommended for schools in the report are implemented as soon as possible.

See this speech in context