Urgent action needed on school uniform costs

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has called for urgent action to cut school uniform costs, saying that it would make a real difference in cutting costs for families here in the area and ensuring they get a much-needed break from the cost of living crisis.
 
Teachta Crowe said “School uniform costs are far too high and are putting huge pressure on families’ finances. Families are already being hit by the cost of living crisis, as prices  on food, energy, transport, accommodation  are spiraling out of control. Increasingly more and more parents simply cannot afford these back-to-school costs which can reach thousands of Euro depending on the school. “I know families across Dublin South West are struggling to keep up with back-to-school costs and they need help now.
 
“Sinn Féin wants to cut the costs of school uniforms, which we know is one of the biggest costs for many families as they return to school this August. We see families spending hundreds of euro on school uniforms, tracksuits, shoes and other items of clothing every summer and the huge financial burden this causes families. Many will be worrying about how they will manage to pay for school uniforms this year.
 
“Sinn Féin are committed to cutting ‘back to school’ costs in terms of uniforms, books, school transport and across the board this year and in the coming years.
 
“Our Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has brought forward legislation in recent months to cut the costs of school uniforms, to ensure that every school has an affordable uniform policy and that no child is disadvantaged by not being able to afford a particular item of clothing, by ensuring that parents can buy these items in multiple retailers and that they are at an affordable price. This would make a real difference in cutting costs for families here in Dublin South West and ensuring they get a much-needed break from the cost of living crisis.