Written answers
Wednesday, 6 March 2024
Department of Education and Skills
School Uniforms
Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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91. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if in relation to Circular 0032/2017 she envisioned that schools would undertake to sell school uniforms directly to families and to take away the element of choice from parents who are now compelled to purchase from the school and not avail of other available retailers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10977/24]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Ultimately, decisions on school uniforms are a matter for individual schools and Boards of Management.
Taking the above into account, the Department’s Circular 0032/2017, was issued to the Boards of Management of all recognised primary and post-primary schools and to the Chief Executives of the Education and Training Boards. This Circular sets out the principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of returning to school.
Under these measures, schools should select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from an array of retailers. Only "iron on" or "sew on" crests should be used.
Schools should also consult with parents as to their views on how to reduce costs.
The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill is currently before Dáil Éireann. When enacted, it will improve how schools engage with students and their parents by requiring each school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities, including school costs.
The Bill is awaiting an order for Committee Stage and officials in my Department are working to progress the Bill which will ensure that the various views of students and parents are heard and responded to by schools.
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