Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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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.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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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.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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The summer months should be a time of respite and enjoyment for families. However, for far too many families it is a time of stress and worry as they try to figure out how to get on top of back-to-school costs. The costs are absolutely enormous, as the research by the Irish League of Credit Unions and others have identified. Many families are getting into debt or struggling with their savings to try to ensure their children, particularly if there are multiple children, have the uniforms they need and to meet other back-to-school costs. I welcome the progress that has been made in recent years due to the campaigning of antipoverty groups and Opposition parties in the area of schoolbooks. However, it is still the case that we do not truly have free education at primary and post-primary levels in this State. It is still the case that people are shelling out significant sums for such items as iPads and tablets, for the so-called voluntary contributions due to the underfunding of schools, and for school uniforms. This Bill would make a significant difference. It would ensure that schools put in place an affordable uniforms policy to ensure there is maximum reuse of uniforms. It would require clear labelling in terms of what is mandatory and what is optional. It would ensure that people are able to buy items from multiple retailers. Some schools make great efforts to try to accommodate parents by ensuring that they have options and that there is flexibility there. Unfortunately, there are schools that go to equal lengths almost to require the purchase of expensive items that should not be necessary at all. This legislation can make a significant difference in terms of people's pockets.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Is the Bill opposed?

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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No.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."