Crowe critical of Minister for failing to make school uniforms more affordable
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Deputy Seán Crowe has expressed disappointment at the lack of a firm commitment from Education Minister to introduce measures that would make school uniforms more affordable.
The Dublin South West TD had tabled a question on the issue during this week’s Dáil’s Parliamentary Questions where he asked Minister Quinn for an update on when measures would be introduced to reduce the cost of paying for school uniforms.
Deputy Crowe said “The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme provides some support for eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn.
“It does not however ease the financial burden of the increasing numbers of families who don’t qualify for the allowance but are struggling to meet the costs of sending their children to school.
“A survey carried out last year by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) found that on average, €400 will be spent annually on each individual child attending school. It is a serious amount of money that increases further when combined with additional expenses such as paying for books and having to make voluntary contributions to school funds. Many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the rising costs of sending a child to school.
“As far back as last July, the Minister agreed to look at introducing a number of initiatives including standardising the design and colours of uniforms and providing an option for parents to sew on school crests.
“These relatively simple but very practical measures would allow families the opportunity to shop around for better deals and not be forced to rely on a select number of retail outlets who often charge outrageous prices for uniforms.
“As we near the end of the school term the Department of Education seem no closer to implementing the type of cost saving measures that can ease some of the financial burden parents face when sending their child to school.”