Minister instructs schools to consult parents on uniforms

The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn is asking schools to start surveying parents on uniform policy.

Minister Quinn says the move is aimed at giving parents a much greater say on what uniforms, if any, a school should have - and in turn to tackle the high costs of some uniforms.

The survey is asking if parents want their school to have a uniform, and if so, whether they want generic or bespoke uniforms.

Schools are being asked to send the surveys to parents by no later than February to allow Boards of Management the time to consider the results and to make any changes by September next.