TDs to tell schools cut uniform cost

School bodies are to be told by TDs that more must be done to ease the costs of uniforms for parents.

Following further criticisms over the summer of the prices families of children at some schools must pay for uniforms, the issue is to be the basis of a hearing of the Dáil select committee on education.

The move is backed by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn after surveys published this summer suggest the average cost of sending a primary-level and second-level student back to school this month is over €1,100, when uniforms, books, and other costs are added.