MEENAGH WELCOMES ACTION ON SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS

Issued : Friday 15 November, 2013
Areas : Cabra, Dublin

The Labour Party Area Rep for Cabra, Declan Meenagh has welcomed Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn’s announcement this week that parents are to be consulted on school uniform costs.

“Under Minister Quinn’s initiative, parents will have a say on the uniform policy of their child’s school, ensuring their voices will be heard on this important issue.

“All schools will be provided with questionnaires which they will use to ballot parents, with questions such as whether or not they want school uniforms, and whether they would like the choice of purchasing cheaper generic clothing for their child. These surveys will be carried out over the school year and will inform the school’s uniform policy for the next school year.

“The high cost of school uniforms and books makes the annual back to school period a difficult and expensive one for parents. I am heartened to see that Minister Quinn is taking action on this issue. 

“Involving parents centrally in school decisions on uniforms is a progressive step which makes sense – parents know best what price and quality is right for their children, and schools will benefit from the input of parents in their decision making. I urge parents of local schools to take part fully in this survey.

“This action on school uniform costs comes just weeks after the announcement of an extra €5m funding for an expanded school book rental scheme. This demonstrates Labour’s commitment in government to providing practical help to families with back to school costs.”

ENDS