When Russia invaded Ukraine, schools organised shows of solidarity with Ukraine but when it comes to Israel's genocide in Gaza, some teachers are being silenced and their clothing choices are being policed. I contacted the Minister recently about Harcourt Terrace Educate Together National School where members of staff have been told not to wear their Keffiyeh scarves.

Keffiyehs are simple patterned fabric from the Middle East, which many wear in solidarity with Palestine. Zionist pressure groups are pushing schools to ban this simple item of clothing and at least that school appears to have given in. Two staff members felt so harassed by a small number of parents and pressured by school management that they resigned. Does the Tánaiste agree that a very high bar would have to be met to justify any interference with the right of staff to choose their clothes? Does he agree it must be urgently clarified for schools, perhaps in a departmental circular, to make clear that no member of staff should be victimised for wearing a Keffiyeh?

The depth of feeling there quite rightly is around this country about the genocidal activity by Israel and support for the Palestinian people is real, guttural and heartfelt. There should always be a very high bar before interfering on anybody’s clothing. In the first instance, these are always matters for boards of management. In light of the Deputy bringing this information to my attention, let me discuss the matter with the Minister for education.