Vol. 523 No. 5
147 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the financial burden imposed on parents due to the high cost of school uniforms; if he will issue guidelines to schools to reduce these costs; the discussions which he has had with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs regarding the inadequacy of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/00]
Individual school authorities are responsible for the drawing up of school rules including requirements for the wearing of school uniforms. The formulation of school policy in relation to the wearing of a uniform should allow for prior consultation with teachers, parents and pupils where appropriate. In turn, this should provide for concerns about the issue of cost to be raised and considered.
A review of the back to school footwear and clothing allowance is currently being undertaken by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs which operates the scheme. My Department is represented on this group which also includes the Departments of Health and Children, Finance and the Eastern Regional Health Authority. This working group is considering all options for the future operation of the scheme. Consultation with interested groups has been an important feature of the review and the various suggestions for improving the scheme are being examined. The working group is currently finalising its report which is expected to be available before the end of the year.
