Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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361. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if clarification will be provided in relation to the issues raised recently in a school (details supplied) regarding the uniforms of pupils and advice given to female students; if she has commissioned an inquiry into same; if so, the person who will conduct same; when the report on the incident will be finished; if she will make same available to Deputies and others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42015/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In the case referred to by the Deputy, the Department of Education has made initial contact with the school and are engaging further to establish the facts in this case in order to provide a report for my attention.

It is important to note that decisions on school uniform polices are a matter for the school’s board of management at local level.  Schools are advised to consult with parents and students when drafting a policy on uniforms.

Whereas my Department provides funding and policy direction for schools, my Department does not have legal powers to investigate individual complaints or instruct a school to follow a particular course of direction with regard to individual complaint cases, except where the complaint involves a refused enrolment, expulsion or suspension, in accordance with Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act.  My Department's role is to clarify for parents and students how their grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed.

As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, it is important that the school is given the space and time to deal with the issue.  My Department will liaise with the Board of Management in the school to establish the facts and will provide me with the information at that stage.