Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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245. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the impact of a change in school uniform policy on a number of clothing manufacturers in the Monasterevin area directly employing 94 persons; if any similar issues in other parts of the country have been brought to his attention; if he feels the possible impact on local employment should be a factor in policy making on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17722/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the school uniform policy is a matter for each individual school and not my Department. My initiative late last year was aimed at strengthening the role of parents in how schools decide their policies on uniforms.

I recently met with representatives from the area in question along with representatives from the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association (ISME) and listened to their concerns.

It would seem prudent for manufacturing companies or retailers who have a stake in this area, to engage in debate within those local communities, where the decisions of parents will be made.