Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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457. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to reduce the costs of returning to school for parents; if she will consider issuing guidelines to schools in relation to school uniforms in order that parents are not obliged to purchase expensive branded uniforms and instead can purchase generic lower cost uniforms onto which a school crest can be ironed on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44196/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Education Act 1998, all recognised schools are managed by the school board of management on behalf of the schools’ patrons or trustees or the relevant Education and Training Board (known as the management authority).

Individual school authorities are responsible for the drawing up of a school policy in relation to the wearing of uniforms. My Department issued Circular 32/2017 which sets out Principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs. These include the provision to parents of a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores.

It also sets out that schools should consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives in relation to school uniforms.