Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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399. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position on school uniforms in view of the fact that parents are in the process of purchasing uniforms and in further view of reports that schools will have no uniforms for infection control reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16959/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The interim public health advice received by my Department sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools in late August/September and the measures that will be required to achieve this.

This public health advice will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical, curricular and wellbeing arrangements. The advice also contains important measures required for infection prevention and control and does not include specific advice on the wearing of uniforms. Individual school authorities are responsible for the drawing up of a school policy in relation to the wearing of school uniforms.

The Department recommends that the formulation of such a school policy should allow for prior consultation with teachers, parents and pupils where appropriate and enable any concerns to be raised and considered.