asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that parents of many children in primary and secondary schools are being placed under great pressure to pay voluntary school contributions, with threats of sanctions against the children of those who do not pay; if she intends to take any measures to end this practice; if she will ensure that the capitation grant is adequate to avoid the pressure for such demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Running Costs of Schools.
16.
The running costs of national schools are assisted by my Department by means of a system of capitation grants, that is, a grant per pupil enrolled on 30 September of the school year in question. This grant is payable on the condition that a local contribution equivalent to at least 25 per cent of the State capitation grant must be lodged each year in a bank account in the name of the school. As is laid down in the Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure "this sum required to meet the local contribution shall be provided by the parish community or other appropriate analogous community or body from general funds at the disposal of such community or body and there shall be no levy on the parents of children attending the school".
I am satisfied that boards of management, in general, are familiar with the above rules and bring no undue pressure to bear on individual parents with regard to the making of financial contributions.
Because of the very serious budgetary situation, it was not possible to increase the capitation grant this year.
With regard to post-primary schools I would like to state that it is a fundamental principle of the free post-primary education scheme that no charge be made in respect of (1) instruction in any subject listed in the general school programme; (2) recreational or study facilities of which all the pupils are expected to avail themselves as part of the school programme; (3) any other activity in which all pupils are required to take part.
Voluntary contributions by parents towards the elimination of old building debts, or charges for optional extras over and above those provided in the general school programme, are permissible under the free education scheme, provided that it is made clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay, and that there is no question of sanctions against pupils whose parents choose not to make such contribution.
My Department receives telephone inquires from time to time seeking clarification of the Department's policy in regard to the levying of charges by secondary schools. A very small number of written complaints have been received in recent years and these have been investigated. Where appropriate, the schools in question are reminded of the obligation to adhere to the principles of the free education scheme. My Department is not aware of any case where a pupil has been denied access to a school in the circumstances outlined. In regard to the rate of per capita grant, the current difficult financial situation does not allow for an increase at present.