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

The clothing allowance is administered by the Department of Social Protection. It is of some reassurance that schools are taking this more seriously. The report shows a consistent fall in the cost of uniforms at schools from €177 in 2011 to €145 in 2016. Similarly, the cost of books has come down from €125 to €94 and voluntary contributions are also coming down. There is evidence that schools are taking their responsibility to control costs more seriously. I am determined that this becomes an issue that includes the continuing drive to reduce obstacles to participation in education. I cannot put a number on it but if capitation increases it will hopefully reduce the reliance on voluntary contributions and so on in other areas. These are issues we will have to develop and address over a period of time.

See this speech in context