The Oireachtas Education Committee has called on schools across the country to use generic uniforms, introduce book rental schemes and ban workbooks.

The recommendations are part of the its report on tackling back to school costs.

The document says there is no justification for a school to demand crested jumpers, jackets or tracksuits. It believes that boards of management must lead the way in reducing these costs.

It calls for schools to set up finance committees - where teachers and parents can discuss the expenses of the school year.

The 30-page report says there needs to be "a fundamental culture change at the heart of Irish education" and that it is essential "that policy makers, school managers and patrons revert to the aspiration of delivering a system of free education".

It found that most school patrons feel they have no role to play in overseeing uniform, textbook or voluntary contribution policies, which it called 'alarming'. It says they need to show much greater leadership in this regard.

The report will be sent to the Education Minister and patronage bodies with a request for a formal response.

Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee is Aodhán O Riordán. He says school patrons have taken no leadership in cutting the cost of sending children to school.