Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Concerns around Fingerprinting of Pupils

Published: 5 July, 2010

Mr McNally said,

'While schools are working within the regulations in this matter, it is something that Sinn Féin has concerns with. We have raised the matter with the Children's Law Centre and Human Rights bodies, who in turn have raised their concerns with schools who adopt this policy.'

'However I wish to highlight to parents that schools do have alternative options for pupils who do not wish to use biometric fingerprint identification.'

'Many schools have a swipe card system and pupils pay for their dinners in that way instead of using the fingerprint method. In addition schools have the option of introducing a four digit pin code for pupils.'

The Armagh councillor concluded,

'Many parents have spoken to me about their reluctance to have their children fingerprinted especially with all the connotations that has and I believe that there should be other options provided. I would hope schools will accept parents concerns and afford an alternative if that is what they wish.'