Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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293. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline her Department’s position in circumstances where schools require pupils to wear uniforms but are not affording reasonable accommodation to children with additional needs or sensory sensitivities; the recourse available to parents in such situations; and if, further to Circular 0032/2017 on school uniform costs, she will consider issuing a new circular to schools and boards of management specifically emphasising the importance of reasonable accommodation for children in relation to school uniforms. [52760/25]

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

In relation to complaints about implementation of its uniform policy, the school’s formal complaints process should be followed in pursuing any complaint.

Where parents or guardians are of the view that a school's Board of Management has failed to investigate or adequately investigate their complaint, it is open to them to raise the matter directly with the Chairperson of the Board of Management.

In the event that a parent is dissatisfied with how a complaint has been handled, they may make a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children if they believe that the school’s actions have had a negative effect on the student.

I have committed in Education Plan 2025 to commence work in 2025 to review Circular 32/2017.

I am pleased to confirm that work has commenced on updating this circular and the revised circular will put a greater emphasis on reducing costs for parents.

My department is also progressing the Charter Bill, which will strengthen engagement between schools, parents and students, including on issues such as school costs and uniform policies.

The overall aim of the Bill is to improve the level of engagement between the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from the school community and by further developing a listening culture in schools.