Seán Ryan
Question:105 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy of his Department concerning non-fee-paying secondary schools charging registration fees. [17022/04]
View answerThursday, 3 June 2004
Questions (109)
Written answers
It is a fundamental principle of the free post-primary education scheme that no charge is made in respect of instruction in any subject included in my Department's programme for secondary schools, including recreation or study facilities where all the pupils are expected to avail themselves of these as part of the school programme or any other activities in which all pupils are required to take part.
Schools are allowed to charge a booking fee when considering new applicants for enrolment, provided this is refundable following a decision on enrolment. Booking fees are sometimes required by schools in order to avoid double-booking of pupils, which could result in loss of teaching posts.
Voluntary contributions by parents or charges for optional extras over and above what is provided for in the general school programme are permissible under the scheme, provided 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.