John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I would like the Leader to facilitate early in the new year a debate on the consultation process that has been commenced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, on schooling costs for parents and families, particularly in regard to school uniforms. Parents state that putting children through school can cost over €500 per annum per child. This is quite a hefty bill on top of everything else. The Minister has made great inroads in reducing the cost of schoolbooks by financing and supporting book rental schemes, but the cost of school uniforms still remains a bugbear for many families. I encourage all parents associated with schools around the country to participate in the consultation process initiated this week. A circular and a questionnaire have been sent to all schools to give parents a direct say in what happens.

I urge parents to take into account another aspect of this matter. The cheapest product is not necessarily the best value. They should take into account the wear and tear of garments and how long they will last. In this regard, we should bear in mind Irish jobs and Irish manufacturers of school uniforms around the country. Importing cheaper products is not necessarily the solution to achieving the best value in school uniforms for children. I encourage all schools and parents to take part in the consultation process. At some stage in the new year, I ask the Leader to facilitate, with the Minister for Education and Skills, a debate on this issue.