Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)

The cost of children returning to school is an annual issue. Year in, year out a consistent theme from my constituency of Longford-Westmeath is the cost of uniforms, but never so much as this year as families grapple with the cost of living. The current system, as Deputy O'Rourke said, embeds avoidable expenses. The CCPC's recent investigation urging generic uniforms and a competitive tender process is significant and we need to listen.

This Bill would mandate schools to adopt cost-conscious, common-sense policies such as clear labelling around what is optional and what is mandatory, multiple retail options, and minimal use of expensive branded items. It would require sensible policies that allow uniforms to be reused by siblings and support the second-hand use, sale and swapping of school uniforms. We cannot stand by as families are hit by payment demands from every single angle. The CCPC has raised the alarm. We are bringing in this Bill to address those concerns and to reduce the costs on parents. They need a break. This Bill would provide it to them.

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