Diary of an Irish Teacher: How can schools still demand students wear branded uniforms?

As the cost of living continues to rise, can schools in good faith demand their students to wear branded uniforms? 

Allowing generic garments like an unbranded white shirt or colour block trousers or skirt will democratise school uniforms and alleviate financial stress for parents struggling to afford the cost of back to school supplies. 

Ireland’s news cycle has me in a spin — particularly when it comes to education.

The same worn-out topics twirl around my eardrums at the same time every year. Identical points get floated, along with the usual tumble of objections. Then we happily forget about it — until it re-surfaces the following year.