James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to issue guidelines to boards of management in respect of the contentious issue of pupils purchasing presents for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54744/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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It is my view that, in the current economic circumstances, the practice of parents or pupils purchasing gifts for teachers or other staff members places an unnecessary financial burden on parents and is not appropriate. I would therefore encourage all schools to take any steps necessary, in consultation with their Parents Association as appropriate, to ensure that such practices are discontinued in their own individual school.