Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Collins for raising this issue. I have read the report and I strongly support any measures that can be put in place to reduce costs for parents, including measures such as the use of generic type uniforms or the use of sew-on crests. All schools must be sensitive to the financial pressures on parents in making decisions, not just about school uniforms or books, but about any matter that has cost implications for parents. The action plan for education outlines hundreds of actions to be implemented over the three-year period. Some of the actions as part of that plan are to strengthen the focus on reducing school costs for parents by restoring capitation funding over a three-year period as resources permit; increasing the financial support for book rental schemes in order to reduce or eliminate school book costs for parents; and by issuing a strong new circular to school authorities and ETBs regarding school uniform policy and other costs and the need to put a greater emphasis on reducing the cost of school uniforms and other costs.

I will also introduce a stronger complaints procedure and a charter for parents. It is important that schools should consult parents on matters relating to their children's education, including those matters which have cost implications. Schools should be responsive to the views and concerns of parents.  In that regard, requiring schools to have a parents' charter will ensure schools will interact better with parent associations and with individual parents.

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