Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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245. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the follow-up regarding her Department's reducing costs to parents-school uniforms under Circular No. 63/2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38985/14]

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the findings of her Department's reducing costs to parents-schools uniforms Circular No. 63/2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38986/14]

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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247. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on action taken by her Department to address school uniform costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38987/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 to 247, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the school uniform policy is a matter for each individual school and not my Department. The initiative late last year was aimed at strengthening the role of parents in how schools decide their policies on uniforms.

As part of the initiative in question, schools were requested to ballot parents on school uniform policy. This move was aimed at giving parents a much greater say on what if any uniforms a school should have and in turn to tackle the high costs of some uniforms.

The Deputy will be aware that I intend to bring forward proposals for a Parent and Student Charter.

This issue may need to be considered in the context of developing the Charter that each will be obliged to have. An important aspect of the Charter will be how parents receive information and feedback on the operation of school policies and how parents' concerns are addressed.