Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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152. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if subsidies could be provided by her Department for schools with school uniforms to lower the cost for parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64545/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I know that for many parents, the start of a new school year can be a financially stressful time - new uniforms, transport costs - all arriving at once. That is why this Government has made affordability a central focus of our education policy.

Since the publication of Circular 32/2017, my department has made it clear that schools must take steps to ensure uniforms are affordable and accessible to all families. These measures aim to make a real difference, but we recognise that more can be done.

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.

A working group, which includes representatives from the National Parents Council and the education partners, is currently reviewing Circular 32/2017 to strengthen and update it. The working group will engage directly with parents, children and young people to ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard.

We are also commencing work to promote uniform swap shops across primary schools, helping families save money while contributing to our wider sustainability goals. This is in line with our commitment in the Programme for Government.

A central tenet of our education policy is that schools need to always engage openly with parents and students – to listen as well as to inform them. That is the principle at the heart of the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill, which is currently progressing through the Oireachtas.

When enacted, this legislation will require every school to consult with parents and students on key policies and activities, including school uniforms. It will set clear expectations for communication, transparency and respect between schools, parents, and students. It will ensure that families are genuine partners in decisions about their children’s education, including how schools manage costs.

From the start of the 2025/26 school year, all children and young people enrolled in primary, post-primary and special schools in the Free Education Scheme will receive schoolbooks and core classroom resources at no cost – a significant step that will benefit almost one million students.

Schools also have flexibility in their use of digital devices but are advised to consult with parents and the wider school community when developing these policies.

In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all primary schools meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will be eligible for hot school meals.

These measures are all part of my department’s ongoing commitment to reduce financial pressure on families and ensure every student is supported to achieve their full potential.