Vol. 568 No. 5
249 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has carried out a survey of the operation of voluntary contributions by schools in the secondary sector; the range of annual contributions which have been identified; his policy on the charging of contributions by schools; the way in which it differs from schools that charge compulsory fees; and if he will make a statement on the problem this poses for parents on limited income. [16405/03]
My Department has not carried out a survey on the operation of voluntary contributions by secondary schools.
Voluntary contributions by parents and others are allowed under the free education scheme. The manner in which such contributions are sought from local communities is a matter for school principals and managements. The extent of such fund raising, by and on behalf of schools, is determined by a range of socio-economic factors, including the level of local initiative and the need for additional facilities and curriculum provision as perceived by parents and the wider community. Voluntary contributions are permissible provided that it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition.
In all circumstances, the contributions must be voluntary.
It is a fundamental principle of the free second level education scheme that no charge be made in respect of: instruction in any subject of my Department's programme for secondary schools; recreation or study facilities where all pupils are expected to avail themselves of them as part of the school programme; and any other activity in which all pupils are required to take part.
Accordingly, there can be no compulsory charge on parents of children attending any school participating in the free education scheme, nor can any child be refused admission because of the non-payment of a voluntary contribution by his or her parents.
