Schools urged to cut back on ‘specialised’ uniforms

SCHOOLS have been told by the Government’s consumer watchdog to stop forcing parents to buy expensive uniforms.

But Tánaiste and Education Minister Mary Coughlan has refused to direct schools to avoid policies that restrict parents from getting the best value.

The Department of Social Protection has already paid out close to €60 million in allowances for uniforms and school shoes but looks likely to exceed its €82m budget as 1,000 applications arrive in every day.