Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Uniforms.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

128 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines which apply in relation to uniforms in second level schools; if his attention has been drawn to a sense of discrimination on the part of some girls particularly in co-educational schools at not having the option to wear trousers particularly during the cold winter months; and the proposals, if any, he has in this regard. [3250/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Individual school authorities are responsible for drawing up school rules including requirements in relation to wearing school uniform. Circumstances vary from school to school and it is only those intimately involved with a particular school who can draw up a set of rules including a code of dress appropriate to that school. To encourage acceptance of school rules generally, it is desirable that there are prior consultations by the school with teachers, parents and pupils where appropriate. School rules should provide for feedback from the student body in matters such as school uniform so that circumstances such as those identified by the Deputy can be catered for.

Where difficulties arise, these should be raised with the school concerned in the first instance. Work is under way in my Department at present concerning the implementation of the Education Act, 1998. Section 28 of the Act empowers the Minster following consultations with the education partners to prescribe procedures for dealing with pupil and parent grievances at school level. This would cover decisions made by schools in relation to wearing school uniforms. The development of these procedures will bring a greater transparency to decision making by schools generally and promote fair procedures at school level.