Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
390. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if schools can ignore the guidelines of her Department which state that all elements of school uniform should be purchasable from various stores and only iron or sew on crests should be used; the recourse parents have if this is ignored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16777/20]
View answerMy Department published Circular 32/2017 in 2017, which introduced measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs. This includes principles of cost-effective practices to be adopted, including generic rather than branded items, use of sew-on or iron-on crests, and all elements of a uniform being available from various stores.
The Circular also advises that schools should consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives.
Ultimately any decision on school uniforms is a matter for the board of management of each school in consultation with parents.
The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019, which was published on 10th September 2019, will require each school to implement a Student and Parent Charter in accordance with national guidelines to be published by the Minister after consultation with the education partners, including the recognised national associations of parents. The charter legislation will include requirements for consultation and engagement with parents and students on matters relating to school life including school uniforms.
Specific commitment to progress this Bill has been given in the recently published Programme for Government.
