Choice and comfort in kit makes sense – let’s see children afforded the same freedom with uniforms – Ní Chuilinn

Primary school children should be allowed to wear tracksuits in school every day if they prefer, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn, Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Arts, Media, Sport and Communications, who was has been very vocal in supporting a vote for choice in camogie playing wear in recent weeks, has called for a similar move towards comfortable school uniforms, which would better encourage physical activity in children.

Senator Ní Chuilinn said: “Thanks to the tireless work of player advocates and the common-sense approach taken by Ard Comhairle delegates last night, camogie players can finally wear what’s comfortable while they’re physically active.

“This is a positive development, but we must now continue with the common-sense approach to comfort and choice in sport and physical activity.

“While many schools have afforded their pupils the choice to wear tracksuits, there are some schools who still insist on shirts, ties, pinafores and trousers.

“I fully accept and respect that some schools feel strongly about uniforms and wish to uphold their identity, but having spoken to a large number of parents, the feedback is that traditional uniforms are not comfortable or practical and come at a great cost to families.

“We have a commitment in the programme for Government that primary school children get 60 minutes of movement during the school day.  60 minutes exercise a day is something we must work towards as a priority, but it can only be achieved if children feel comfortable to be physically active.

“It’s time to get the conversation going on this among school communities to move towards offering school tracksuits as a widespread choice in Irish primary school.” Senator Ní Chuilinn concluded.

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