asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that pressure is being brought to bear on girls attending vocational schools to wear special school uniforms; and if the school authorities have power to require pupils to do so in view of the expense involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational School Uniforms.
34.
Mr. O'Malley
I am not aware that pressure is being brought to bear on girls attending vocational schools to wear school uniforms, and the Vocational Education Acts do not empower school authorities to impose such an obligation on pupils.
The Minister is not aware that when some girls presented themselves at a technical school they were told the fees had been dispensed with, but they had to have a certain amount of money for a school uniform and books. Is it necessary that they have this special uniform?
Mr. O'Malley
No. As I have said, there is no power to impose on pupils an obligation to wear a uniform. If a vocational education committee proposes that pupils in their school should wear a uniform, such a proposal would be turned down by the Department. If the Deputy has information of such a school, I should be grateful if he would forward it to me.
I shall do that.