Cost of school uniforms remains ‘a bugbear for many families’

Parents estimated that educating their children cost more than €500 a year per child, John Whelan (Lab) said.

“This is quite a hefty bill on top of everything else,’’ he added.

Mr Whelan called for a Seanad debate on the consultation process initiated by Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn on schooling costs for parents and families, particularly relating to school uniforms. While the Minister had made great inroads in reducing the cost of schoolbooks by financing and supporting book rental schemes, the cost of school uniforms remained a bugbear for many families.

Consultation
"I encourage all parents associated with schools around the country to participate in the consultation process initiated this week,'' he added.

“A circular and a questionnaire have been sent to all schools to give parents a direct say in what happens.’’

Mr Whelan also urged parents to remember that the cheapest product was not necessarily the best value, adding that they should take into account the wear and tear of garments and how long they would last.

“In this regard, we should bear in mind Irish jobs and manufacturers of school uniforms around the country,’’ he added.

“Importing cheaper products is not necessarily the solution to achieving the best value in school uniforms for children.’’