Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has lent his support to a campaign aiming to limit the cost of school books and to bring down the price of uniforms.

Mr Quinn said he backed the expansion of school book rental initiatives and would like to see the replacement of uniforms with school badges being considered by primary school boards of management, the Irish Independent reports.

It is hoped that such moves would result in struggling families in Ireland saving hundreds of euros in school-related costs.

Mr Quinn was speaking after the Society of St Vincent de Paul and Fergus Finlay, the chief executive of Barnardo's in Ireland, criticised the escalating prices of materials used by school children.

The politician explained the Society of St Vincent de Paul has "started a debate on generic school uniforms where the school simply provides just the badge or emblem of the school and the colour would be one of a range of colours".

Such a scheme would mean parents not having to buy their children expensive jumpers adorned with a particular school crest. 

Written by Donal Walsh

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