Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether her Department can mandate schools to allow parents the flexibility of purchasing generic or non-branded school uniforms that comply with a school’s uniform policy; the actions being undertaken to ensure that school uniforms are affordable; whether she has investigated the feasibility of restricting the level of forever chemicals in children’s school uniforms (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38399/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Decisions on school uniforms are a matter for individual schools and Boards of Management.

My department issued Circular 0032/2017, which 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 were advised that they should select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from a range of retailers. Only "iron on" or "sew on" crests should be used. Schools should provide parents with a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores. Where an exclusive supply arrangement applies, it should be tendered for regularly. Schools should also consult with parents as to their views on how to reduce costs.

I have committed in Education Plan 2025 to commence work in 2025 to review Circular 32/2017. A revised circular will put a greater emphasis on reducing costs for parents.

In relation to forever chemicals, I understand that the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has responsibility for this area and they have advised that the EU Commission is looking at this issue.