School uniforms for overweight children not part of zero-VAT category
Children as young as seven are having to wear 'adult' size school uniforms because they are overweight, it has been reported.
The Irish Independent reports that some parents are being left with higher bills as a result, because the clothes do not fall into the zero VAT category.
Under Department of Finance rules, clothing - including school uniforms - up to the size deemed appropriate for children up to 10 years old is exempt from VAT.
School uniform makers and suppliers say the guidelines are no longer valid, with some children aged seven too big for those designed for a 10-year-old.
The Irish School Wear Association said that current sizing guidelines are out of step with the weight and height of modern children and need to be reviewed.
