Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in the context of the Education Plan 2025 and commitments relating to cost-of-living supports and inclusive education, the measures currently in place to reduce the cost burden of school uniforms on families, including steps taken to limit compulsory branded items and exclusive supplier arrangements; and whether her Department has issued guidance to schools regarding reasonable accommodation in uniform policies for children with sensory processing difficulties or other additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17352/26]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether national guidance has been issued requiring schools to provide reasonable accommodation within uniform policies for children with sensory processing difficulties or additional needs; if no if such binding guidance has issued, whether she plans to introduce same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17353/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.

I have committed in Education Plan 2025 to commence work 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 has been established and my department is working with the education partners to progress this matter.

The current 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 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.

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.

Ultimately, decisions on school uniforms are a matter for individual schools and Boards of Management.

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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126. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children who have notified the NCSE of their need for a special class place each year for the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17368/26]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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This government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.