It is up to parents in Ireland to push for cheaper school uniforms and books, it has been claimed.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn said parents should take it upon themselves to encourage schools to make preparations for the classroom cheaper, adding he cannot force schools to bring the prices down, the Irish Independent reports.

Speaking at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, County Donegal, Mr Quinn explained efforts are ongoing to address this problem, adding the issue has been exacerbated as a consequence of the economic downturn.

However, there are certain areas of school policy that Mr Quinn is reluctant to "intrude" into. He said any changes would therefore have to be made via negotiations. 

"Parents' representatives have a voice, maybe they need to find it more strongly," the politician added.

The comments come after the Irish Times recently quoted Mr Quinn as urging schools to be more sensitive to the financial pressures parents are increasingly under. 

Written by Donal Walsh

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