Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Uniforms.

Bernard Allen

Question:

337 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on national schools insisting that parents buy specific types of uniforms from specific suppliers which can cost far greater than similar items of clothing from other suppliers; his further views on whether insisting on a parent paying up to £35 for a navy school skirt from a specific supplier is unreasonable when the same type of skirt can be bought in other retail outlets for £10 to £15; and his views on whether this is a serious imposition on families who have two and three children going to the same school and have limited income. [4260/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The rules for national schools contain no regulations relating to the wearing of school uniforms. The wearing of uniforms cannot be compulsory, and school authorities should not insist on uniforms, or any type of school clothing, being purchased from a specific supplier.

School authorities are, of course, entitled to set down guidelines relating to pupils' clothing, and to make provision for the wearing of school uniforms. However, I would expect school authorities to exercise discretion at all times, and to have regard to the costs involved, particularly in the case of families with two or more children involved.

Accordingly, I would not condone a situation where pressure is placed on parents to purchase specific clothing from any particular retail outlet. Neither would I condone any discrimination against pupils who do not wear the school uniform.