Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to make provision whereby the Minister for Education shall make regulations governing the implementation of an affordable school uniform policy in schools; and for this purpose, to amend the Education Act 1998.

I welcome the opportunity to introduce the Education (Affordable School Uniforms) Bill 2025 along with Deputies Ó Laoghaire and Clarke. I thank both Deputies for their work on this Bill. Throughout the country, parents are being hammered by the cost-of-living crisis. The enormous expense of clothing their children for school is a huge part of that financial strain. For many, back-to-school costs run into hundreds, if not thousands, of euro, turning what should be an exciting time into a period of dread. This is not just a perception; it is a reality confirmed by new numerous analyses from the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, and Barnardos, among others. The CCPC has made it clear that restrictive school uniform policies are stifling competition, driving up costs and embedding avoidable expenses that are simply unsustainable for households. Barnardos found that back-to-school costs average at €725 for primary school and €1,100 for secondary school. Some 60% of parents are worried about these costs, 27% have used savings to meet them and 15% were forced to borrow to meet them. In relation to school uniforms, just 14% of respondents to the Barnardos survey said their school had an affordable school uniform option, while 92% said their school required crested or branded uniform items.

This Bill is a direct, practical response to provide real relief. It would mandate every school to adopt a cost-conscious uniform policy. It is built on common-sense principles that seek to ensure clear labelling of optional versus mandatory items to prevent unnecessary spending, to provide multiple retail options so that parents can shop around for the best value, and to minimise the use of expensive branded items that can exclude students from activities.

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